Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) is a common disorder that affects the joints of the upper and lower jaw. It may cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joints, as well as other symptoms such as headaches, ringing in the ears, and neck and shoulder pain. The pain is often so intense that it limits food choices and adversely affects quality of life. Though determining the cause of the pain is often fairly straight forward, treating and managing the pain can be more challenging.
There are a number of muscles and tendons that help support the TMJ. We use them consciously during the day when we speak, chew, yawn, etc. and they often get used subconsciously during the night as well. This usually presents as grinding of the teeth, often a symptom of stress or anxiety, and one of the primary causes of TMJ dysfunction. Other causes of TMJ dysfunction include structural issues within the joints, muscle tension and pain, arthritis, and hypermobility. Any of these conditions may put excessive strain and pressure on the muscles and tendons of the joint, as well as disrupt the natural conformation of the bite. Either of these situations may result in pain of the TMJ or surrounding area.
TMJ dysfunction is most commonly diagnosed by a dentist or doctor doing a physical exam. Clinical presentation of the joint and surrounding muscles and tendons, as well as symptoms described by the patient are usually enough to diagnose the condition. Treatment is generally approached in two ways: use of a plastic Splint that is fitted for either the upper or lower teeth and worn during the day or night, and use of analgesics (pain medication). In more severe cases where muscle tension is the primary cause of discomfort, muscle relaxants may be prescribed. A number of patients do experience some relief of their symptoms when these two modalities are used, however, further relief and resolution of symptoms can usually be accomplished with acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been shown to be a highly effective method for reducing the pain of this disorder as well as restoring effective joint function. It can help to relax the muscles surrounding the joints, as well as treat the underlying stress that often accompanies these overworked muscles. One of the great benefits of acupuncture is that it can be used on its own or in conjunction with western methods of treatment/management. A complimentary approach is often the best choice for optimizing pain control as well as addressing many other aspects of the condition.
When pursing treatment with acupuncture, a complete health assessment is performed to determine the underlying reason for the condition. This assessment is done from an eastern medicine perspective, to make a diagnosis based on the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The result of the assessment determines how each individual case will be treated. Just as western medicine will diagnose different reasons for the TMJ dysfunction, TCM will also diagnose a particular pattern or differentiation for each patient. One of the general premises of TCM is that where there is pain, there is obstruction. This can be an obstruction of the flow of vital energy called Qi, poor circulation of blood, poor supply of oxygen, etc. The goal of treatment is to remove the obstruction, improve free flow of qi and blood, and thus relieve the pain. This is accomplished by using special acupoints on the face, ear, and other areas of the body.
The thought of having needles put in ones face may seem somewhat daunting, however it is really a relatively painless procedure. The use of special high quality needles that are extra fine, laser sharpened, and lubricated are used to substantially reduce if not eliminate any discomfort. The acupoints that are typically used to treat and manage TMJ dysfunction are located on the cheeks, fairly close to the ear, and directly in front of the ear. These points will act to relax the muscles around the joint and allow a more natural alignment of the jaw. They improve the circulation and movement of Qi, allowing a better supply of qi and blood to nourish the joint. This will also help to clear out any built up toxins and residual materials from the joint. Depending on what the TCM pattern or differentiation is, other points on the hands, wrists, arms, and feet and legs may be used as well.
As an adjunct to classical acupuncture, Auricular acupuncture can also be used as a very effective add on to manage this condition and quickly help to relieve pain. Auricular medicine is based on the theory that the ear holds a hologram of the whole human body. By treating the corresponding points on the ear, you can affect these points on the body. Instead of needles, special seeds can be used to stimulate points on the ear. A single seed is placed on a small square of adhesive tape, and this is affixed to the ear on the point(s) of interest. These are then stimulated with massage by the patient three times a day for 30 second intervals. The seeds stay on for 3 to 5 days, helping to extend the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment, as well as supporting the actual treatment of the condition. This combination of classical acupuncture with auricular medicine is a highly effective method to relieve the pain and resolve the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
TMJ is often a painful, debilitating, and chronic condition that can severely compromise ones quality of life. Using acupuncture and TCM principles to address the cause and symptoms may enable you to achieve fast, effective pain relief and may promote long term resolution of symptoms. Correction of the underlying imbalance that allowed the condition to manifest will reduce the likelihood of recurrence. As acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with treatment that your dentist or doctor recommends, it is an ideal solution to the difficulties that treatment and management of TMJ presents.
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