Living With TMJ Symptoms - Treatments to Relieve Your TMJ Pain

Living with TMJ symptoms can often be an extremely painful and debilitating experience, but don't worry because there are numerous treatments to relieve your TMJ pain. These TMJ treatments will usually consist of neuromuscular dentistry, chiropractic care if necessary (to correct jaw and other misalignments), and a rehabilitation program which will consist of jaw exercises to teach the jaw how to move normally again and strengthen it to prevent recurrence of TMJ.

Although it may take time and expense to find the TMJ treatment that is best for your particular case of TMJ, rest assured that there IS a treatment that will eventually work. You do not have to live with TMJ symptoms forever!

Here is a list of TMJ treatment options for you to consider:

1. Treatment from a neuromuscular dentist: Treatment of this type will consist of advanced technologies used to detect any jaw or joint misalignments as well as diagnose any muscular malfunctions. These specialists will also work to find the source of the TMJ disorder beyond conventional means as traditional x-rays and touch; and subsequent treatments will focused on correcting the source of the TMJ disorder. Technologies that may be used to detect the source of the TMJ include sonography, electromyography, and jaw tracking technology.

Treatment to correct the source of the TMJ problems may consist of orthotics to temporarily re-align a malocclusion (misaligned or overlapping bites), orthodontics to permanently correct the malocclusion, and a custom made mouth guard or bite guard used to prevent the patient from grinding the teeth at night.

The mouth guard is especially important if one of the causes of the TMJ is teeth grinding, since this will help the patient to break this habit (by re-aligning the teeth so that it is virtually impossible to clench the teeth) and to prevent further damage; even if teeth grinding is not a cause of the TMJ, the use of this mouth guard will help to prevent this problem from developing and guarantee that any possible nighttime tooth grinding is eliminated.

Although not commonly offered, another type of treatment offered is called TENS or ultra-TENS, otherwise known as transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation, which massages and stimulates the jaw muscles, increasing blood flow and promoting waste and toxin removal form the muscles, and ultimately delivering relaxation to the muscles; in many cases this will offer immediate and effective relief of many TMJ symptoms.

2. Chiropractic treatment: This particular type of treatment will consist of neck and head adjustments and manipulations to correct any misalignments which may exist in both the jaw, head, and neck area that are the source of the TMJ. Massage of weak or malfunctioning muscles may also be done as well to strengthen the overall jaw area. This treatment is also quite effective in relieving your TMJ pain and correcting the source of this problem.

3. Rehabilitation programs: These will consist of a number of exercises which the TMJ patient must do daily in order to both teach the jaw how to function normally again, and to further strengthen any weak muscles that have been malfunctioning as a result of the TMJ disorder; these may be prescribed by both the dentist and chiropractor.

4. Relaxation techniques and anger management techniques: These must be incorporated if the source of TMJ is due to chronic stress resulting in teeth grinding or clenching; although these will not directly relieve the TMJ pain, they will eliminate a root of one of the problems causing your TMJ.

Sciatica Syndrome

Pain across the low back, mid-back (lumbosacral), or on the low broad bone (sacrum), or in the joints formed by the sacrum and the hip bone (ilium), the sacroiliac joints, can precipitate an acute sciatic attack. This occurs when there is a severe trauma, a wrong movement, or anything that can cause an irritation or pinching of the nerve roots involved. When the low lumbar and the higher sacral roots that form the sciatic nerve are involved, the back, buttocks and the outer border of the thigh and the calf will be extremely painful. If the lesions involve the more numerous nerves of the lower sacral plexus (Cauda Equina), it may produce symptoms bilaterally (both buttocks), and of the lower extremities. The symptoms may also affect the groin, and can also produce sexual dysfunction.

The incidence of sciatica can increase with age and at age 60 can be as high as 50% for those with low back problems. These problems can be of many varieties. The most prevalent causes of low back pain that can result in sciatica are due to degenerative joint disease. Other causes can be; congenital defects (Spina Bifida, a defective closure of the spinal column), bulging or ruptured discs, inflammation, pinched nerve, tumor, forward slippage of a vertebra on the one below (spondylolisthesis), and osteoarthritis are but few of the possible precipitating factors of the onset of sciatica.

If any of the above conditions are present, they may remain dormant until there is a trigger mechanism that will set off an acute attack of sciatica. That trigger can be a trauma, such as a fall, golf or tennis swing, wrongly lifting an object (no matter how light or heavy), reaching for an object above your head, a minor auto accident, or any overexertion of the back that causes a severe sprain/strain. Another less obvious trigger can be such an innocuous thing as keeping a thick wallet in your back pocket and constantly sitting on it. That will cause a pressure on the sciatic nerve where it exits from the spine into the buttock area inflaming the nerve, thus precipitating an acute attack.

Misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine is one of the greatest causes of sciatic syndrome. The misalignment reduces the foramina (opening) between the vertebrae where the sciatic nerve exits the spine, causing a pinching of the nerve. The pinching results in inflaming the nerve and causing an acute attack. Poor posture over the years can also place stress on the spine with the same result. A Chiropractor can generally correct these anomalies with manipulation of the spine.

A severe sciatic attack will also affect deeper lying tissues, such as the paravertebral muscles and ligaments (the muscles and ligaments alongside the spinal column), causing inflammation, pain and muscles spasms. The severity of the muscle spasms will determine the amount of limitation of motion of back movement. In severe cases the patient will be unable to move without eliciting sudden severe, sharp, stabbing pain. The patient will present "Antalgic Posture" (bent over and unable to move). Coughing, straining or sneezing will cause a sudden sharp stabbing pain. Your Doctor will refer to this as the "Valsalva's maneuver. Lifting the leg straight up while lying on your back will increase the pain in the leg and back.

A less common form of sciatica can be due to "Spinal Stenosis" This form of sciatica resembles a circulatory condition in that it will involve the nerve roots and manifests itself by causing pain in the buttocks, thighs and or calves when walking, running or climbing stairs. Here again the causative factors can be pinching of the nerve as it exits the spine. The numbness and tingling may be more pronounced here. At times rest will alleviate the pain, but not the numbness and tingling. Another causative factor can be toxic inflammation due to alcoholism or diabetes. Although rare, diabetes can cause a diabetic neuritis.

Seeing your Chiropractor or Physician can help determine the causative factor of your condition. The Chiropractor, once the condition is diagnosed, can correct any spinal misalignment or imbalance that causes a pinching of the nerve. He will also use several modalities, consisting of physiotherapy that will reduce muscle spasms and reduce the inflammation. There are also many things that you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of sciatica. Sufficient rest is of the utmost importance. Prevent overexertion of the back in any form, such as lifting, excessive bending at work or sports. Over the counter pain relievers can take the edge off the pain. Using analgesic gels will aid in reducing the pain. Taking hot showers and the use of a heating pad can be soothing to the back.

When symptoms permit, the individual can start walking for short distances, but should be using the proper back brace to prevent further muscle injury at this time. The patient with vertebral joint arthritis may also respond to a proper back support. Wearing of a proper back brace will help the muscles that have become spastic to relax and limit motion by splinting them. Mild exercises can be started when symptoms permit. Exercise will help strengthen the back and abdominal muscles that maintain the integrity of the spinal column. Lumbosacral flexion exercises should be avoided if they make you feel uncomfortable, as they can also aggravate the condition. The overweight or seriously obese individual should make every effort to lose weight. The extra pounds place an enormous amount of strain on the spinal column.

In conclusion, the condition of sciatica can be an extremely painful and debilitating as previously stated. Do not ignore it, but make every effort to help yourself. An acute flare-up of sciatica when ignored can easily become a chronic condition that will plague you for life. Follow the previous suggestions and life will be more bearable. And remember, in the final analysis, when symptoms permit start your exercise program to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, which in the future will help prevent recurrences.

Treatment for TMJ

The objective in the treatment for TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint syndrome is to manage the pain caused by the disorder, such as pain in the neck, head, facial muscles, ear and jaw. Every individual has two TMJs and each is located on each side of the jaw. The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull just in front of the ear and can be damaged due to a certain disease, habit, wear and tear due to aging, or trauma. TMJ trauma is subcategorized into macro-trauma which is an impact due to accident or a blow to the jaw, and micro-trauma, a damaging habit such as clenching or grinding the teeth. The common indications of TMJ disorder are locking or stiff jaw, problems in biting, and a popping or clicking sound when opening the mouth. Finding the right treatment for TMJ can be a difficult task, to say the least.

Treatment for TMJ Explained

Since the body typically recovers from TMJ syndrome within two weeks when the jaw is given the right amount of rest, a full-blown TMJ disorder is rare. However, there are severe cases that are difficult to treat and can cause severe discomfort which may affect the quality of life of the people suffering from the disorder. There are several methods used in the treatment for a TMJ disorder which range from holistic treatments to surgeries. Most people start from holistic approach first and only resort to surgery when no improvement is achieved after several months of applying natural remedies. Regardless of the underlying cause of the disorder, here are some methods generally recommended as protocol in treatment for TMJ syndromes:

Natural Treatment for TMJ

Facial Exercises and Warm Compress

Applying warm compress to the jaw has been known to release the tension on the affected area. After the warm compress, specific facial exercises recommended by a health care professional should be performed. An example of these facial exercises is the gentle mandibular movement wherein the mouth is opened and closed by slowly moving the lower jaw from side to side.

Eating the Right Kinds of Food

Avoiding chewy and hard foods is generally advised for an individual currently experiencing pain and discomfort on the jaw area as these foods only add to the tension to the jaw. Patients should stick to eating soft foods but must see to it that a well-balanced meal is not compromised.

Correct Jaw Positioning

Promoting relaxation in the jaw area helps ease the pain and discomfort caused by a TMJ disorder. This can be achieved by maintaining the correct position of the jaw. The lower teeth and the upper teeth must be kept slightly apart while the lips are kept closed. The tongue should be positioned at the top part of the mouth and breathing must be made through the nose.

Biofeedback Treatment

In the biofeedback treatment for a TMJ disorder, the patients are trained to relax their muscles as well as to normalize their pulse and heart rates by using a biofeedback device. The device is worn during bedtime to keep the patients from grinding their teeth when asleep. The treatment using a biofeedback device is also referred to as splint therapy as the device has anterior splints that absorb pressure during teeth grinding, and the procedure involves non-repositioning stabilization.

Reversible Treatment

This type of treatment is recommended by health authorities who discourage surgery or permanent alteration of the jaw or teeth as a treatment for TMJ syndrome. This involves mandibular exercises and temporarily alleviating the symptoms by taking non-damaging pain relievers available over the counter until the disorder completely heals naturally.

Repositioning of Mandible

Mandibular repositioning type of treatment for TMJ requires patients to wear flat bite plate which covers either the lower or upper teeth to get rid of the clicking sound and sensation when the patient's mouth is opened wide. This device is worn at night with the purpose of repositioning the mandible. Since the longer use of this device may cause permanent alterations of teeth or jaw, it is recommended to be worn only for a brief period of time.

Oral Surgery

For severe cases of a TMJ disorder that don't show any improvement after natural treatments are done, oral surgery is the last option left. However, most health professionals recommend a minor surgery known as arthrocentesis which typically doesn't cause any permanent alteration to the patient's teeth and jaw. In this type of surgery, surgeons cleanse the TMJ with a solution in order to ease the inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. In extreme cases wherein the disorder is not treatable with arthrocentesis surgery, a more complex oral surgery that involves permanent alteration to the jaw or teeth may be performed as an ultimate treatment for a TMJ disorder.

Early Underbite Correction Prevents the Need For Surgery

Orthodontists and dentists estimate that between 5 to 15 percent of the world population has an underbite.

While a small percentage suffer with this problem, orthodontists have worked tirelessly to ease the correction process.

An early orthodontic consultation for clients and their families is recommended. If we can identify underbite or overbite early on, the correction may not need to be as severe. It's better to give consultations to families because correction later on in life can many times necessitate surgery because bones have already developed and fallen into place.

According to the Dental Care Source website, those who suffer from an underbite, commonly considered a type of malocclusion among orthodontists, have a lower jaw jutting up and outward that moderately overlaps the upper teeth.

Underbite is often hereditary, but it has also been known to stem from abnormal chewing habits.

The main problem with having an underbite is that it can lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder, problems with speech, eating, self-confidence, and discomfort in the jaw.

The innovations in the fields of orthodontics and dentistry have made identifying and correcting an underbite much easier and less painful.

Initially, most orthodontists recommended waiting until a child was fully developed to realign the jaw surgically. Now orthodontists recommend beginning treatment as early as possible to avoid correcting an underbite surgically. Children as young as 5 or 6 have undergone corrective treatment and evaded the use of surgery to correct their underbite.

There are several options orthodontists use to fix underbites including: a chin cap, an expander, a reverse-pull face mask and orthodontic braces. However, those needing braces may need to recuperate from previous treatments first.

A chin cap is typically the most basic option for young children and is used to "control the growth process of the jaw and lower chin," according to Dental Care Source. The cap is placed around the chin and extends to the top of the head.

The expander can help a child with an underbite by "expanding" the upper jaw and thus improving their bite. The expander is worn full time and is a tool accompanied with a key that helps widen the upper jaw. Once the jaw is widened, then a child will begin using the reverse-pull face mask.

A non-surgical option for underbite correction is the use of this reverse-pull face mask. The reverse-pull face mask resembles a catcher's mask and it is what orthodontists use many times in combination with the expander. The mask is worn at a minimum of 16 hours per day.

Unfortunately for adults, if there is an underbite it is already skeletal and surgery may be required to fix the alignment of your jaw.

Braces are usually applied to adults for one to three years before jaw surgery takes place. During the surgery, the surgeon will push the lower jaw back, pull the upper jaw forward, or both, depending on the severity of the condition. Mild underbites can be treated without surgery using braces, possible tooth extractions, and even Invisalign invisible braces.

To avoid the expense and associated risks of jaw realignment surgery, orthodontists recommend having an orthodontic consultation at an early age. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists advises that children should have their first orthodontic checkup no later than age 7.

If your child has an underbite, be sure to schedule an appointment for with your Surrey orthodontics specialist today. It could save you and your child much grief down the road.

What Is The Best Treatment For Arthritis - 5 Ways To Treat Arthritis Naturally

Often we have faced the problem of choosing effective natural remedies for arthritis and joint pains, and this search often led us to the question of what is the best treatment for arthritis? The nasty pills we take as a part of the diagnosis for arthritis tend to upset our stomach, put stress our kidneys and elicits other adverse outcomes that we might not be conscious of.

What Is The Best Treatment For Arthritis?

How often have we pondered upon this simple question but never found any medicine for 100% cure and safe application? To avail to such a cure we must be aware of its ingredients and that it should always be natural and scientifically proven to cure arthritis.

5 Natural Herbs To Cure Arthritis:

1. Belladonna

Belladonna has been used as an anesthetic for surgery from long before the middle ages. It is a very powerful ingredient to cure joint pain. It is regularly used in cough syrups because of its pain reducing properties. It helps reduce throat pain arising from coughs and has also been known to alleviate the symptoms of inflammation in intestines and during menstrual cycles. Nowadays, it is also being used as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.

2. Ignatia

This ingredient has been known to decrease nervous tension. Due to stress, our muscle joints tend to tighten up and eventually become sore. This in turn gives rise to arthritis. The use of Ignatia relaxes body muscles which causes an increased flow of blood throughout. This increases the mobility in the joints as well as muscles. Hence, the joint pain is very effectively reduced.

3. MSM

MSM comprises almost every joint related medication for the sole reason that it is very effective in its purpose. It distributes sulphur in all our connective tissues in the body. This sulphur forms health bonds in our cells due to its unique properties. These bonds in the joints help enhance faster and effective pain relief of arthritis.

4. Phosphorous

Phosphorous is a key part of the answer to the question that is always pondered about - what is the best treatment for arthritis? Phosphorous helps in the retrenchment and proper execution of the functions of kidneys. It also sustains regularity of our heartbeats. During joint pains, we often experience a burning sensation. This can be eliminated by the use of phosphorous since it helps in regulating the nerves which send the messages of pain to the brain and thus, helps reduce the burning sensation.

5. Rhus Tox

During major surgical treatments like removal of appendix or the tonsils, or certain procedures undergone at the dentist, Rhus Tox is often used to decreased the pain and help in faster recovery. It has been used since 200 years ago for the treatment of arthritis pain, sprains, osteoarthritis, cramps, stiffness of joints and even the restless leg syndrome.

Availability Of These Natural Ingredients:

These natural herbs can be found in some products available in today's market, if not found loose. But more importantly, it is the combination and dosage that counts. A well reputed Health Institute has discovered that a cream made from the natural ingredients as mentioned above is proven to be very effective at treating pain including arthritis. Even better, there are no side effects because of its natural ingredients.

Arthritis can be healthily cured if addressed properly. Care should be taken that the remedy used should contain these ingredients since they are proven in research to be the most effective without causing harm to the body. The answer to the question, what is the best treatment for arthritis, can be known very easily if we find the perfect cure.

Is Joint Pain Ruining Your Life?

Is Joint Pain Ruining Your Life? In case you answered YES to that question, you'll want to see how this little joint pain supplement can literally change your life as you now know it. It certainly has changed mine. Free yourself from joint pain.

Most people are not aware of the fact that up until recently there has not been a product on the market that addresses the "joint and spinal canal pain issues" that many of us suffer.

That's right, I'm talking to you and your pain situation (in particular), and I'm talking to the millions of middle- aged and seniors out there who suffer from Spinal Stenosis; Degenerative Arthritis; Bursitis; Gout; and Fibromyalgia. Many of us who suffer have tried "all the latest and greatest" joint and back pain relievers "on the market at the time"... And were disappointed.... lets face it....most products just DO NOT WORK.

And what happens, in the mean time, is our pain and suffering goes on--day after day - as we curse the unfortunate positions we find ourselves in. But face it....what other choice do we have but to take the "stuff" we're told to take? ( even though we know it's "crap!") -- That's right--- we know ( or should know) the drugs we are being prescribed are just a cover-up to mask a REAL medical problem ---"And YES we've tried all of the natural stuff on the market....and IT didn't work either!"

"We just want the pain to stop!" but it lingers on....day in/ day out What Kind of Lifestyle Is That?

Through my years of suffering from one pain to another due to "pain du jour" and struggles with maintaining my mobility, I can definitely tell you that my unending search to find "pain- free- nirvana" has been so elusive and frustrating at times. but what else can we do but "live with it" and endure? You can't just give up!.... We all want a pain free and mobile lifestyle!

What I Discovered On A Doctors Visit.....

About 4 months ago, I remember complaining to my doctor ( I guess I sound a lot like a broken record to him) about how this latest round of pain killers; anti-inflammatories and MSM combinations were having their usual non-effect on my Spinal Stenosis and my "on fire" leg pain. (I don't know about you, but I remember the exact day and date that I was first "afflicted " with my degenerative joint pain and Spinal Stenosis issues. It Was Dec.4, 2005 - (and my life hasn't been the same since.)

So anyway.... about 4 months ago my doctor starts talking about this new Bone Morphogenetic Proteins "stuff" -- He said he'd heard about this company that had just received FDA clearance on an oral product that could possibly help me with my degenerative joint and back pain problems and the excruciating pain and discomfort that I'd been going through.

And as he explained it further....I started to take note and listen to him more and more because what he was saying was making logical sense to me.

My Doctor tells me these new Bone Morphogenetic Proteins aren't all that new, they were actually discovered back in 1965 by a researcher from UCLA who had stumbled upon a special class of proteins that stimulated and activated the cells around bone and cartilage to grow "Into Itself" thus re-regenerating the entire region of the joint.

It was further discovered that as we age, our bodies don't produce Bone Morphogenetic Proteins anymore. ( also known as Bone Morphogenetic Proteins) In fact, the cells around our bone and cartilage start to deteriorate and degenerate (dry-up) from general "wear and tear" throughout our middle-aged years.

That's why we start to pick -up all of these "nagging little" aches and pains as our bodies age and we loose the re-building ability; the elasticity and the Bone Morpogenetic Proteins that were once there to regenerate our joints and spine.

And why Is this so important to those of us who suffer joint pain?

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins are actually a special class of protein that are vital to the creation of bone and cartilage in our bodies. These proteins are quite unlike the basic protein that makes up the majority of our bodies. Researchers discovered a very different and special class of proteins that have the ability to re-build and re-generate bone and cartilage cells - at any age!

Around 2001, The FDA approved a medical procedure utilizing these proteins for a back surgery. Instead of using the old-fashioned bone graph operation that required cutting a piece of bone from another part of the body - Doctors were successful in using Bone Morphogenetic Proteins to assist in "regenerating the cells" around a disc replacement!

To date-- there have been over 500,000 medical procedures using Bone Morphogenetic Proteins to "regenerate-the-cells" around the bone and cartilage.

In a published report from the Sixth Conference on Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, which took place in Cavtat, Croatia 2006 the following was noted: "At present, bone is the only human organ that that can be fully regenerated by exogenously applied bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) when physiological mechanisms of fracture repair fail." It goes on to say:

More than 500,000 patients worldwide have been successfully treated with recombinant BMP's for long-bone-non-unions, acute fractures and spinal fusions.

40 years of research including studies from:

- Journal of Biological Chemistry University Mississippi Medical Center-Jackson, Ms.
- Arthritis Research and Therapy American College Of Rheumatology
- Academic Department of Trauma & Orthopedics University of Leeds, U.K.
- Department of Clinical Studies University of Guelph
- Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology Unit St. Thomas Hospital Campus
- Kings College London School Of Medicine

I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. With the previous research I had done on Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, I was leery of an oral delivery system that could extract bone activating proteins to a point that would make a positive difference -yet, at the same time, not cost $1,000 per bottle! In further investigations it seems only trace amounts are needed to regenerate bone and cartilage cells to the point where they have a positive effect on our bodies. And the cost is quite reasonable considering all that it can do!

I have found the overall satisfaction level seems to be around 95% of the users who have tried Bone Morphogenetic Proteins so far. Keeping in mind BMP's have been approved by the FDA for procedural operations since 2001 (about 500,000 medical procedures to date) It's only been two short years that the *Bone Activating Proteins have cleared the FDA for use in its current oral form. Yet they seem primed to be the "go to" pain killer for joint and back care for years to come.

My feeling is that the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins will be a big hit in the marketplace and will overtake Glucosamine and Chondroitin once word gets out that there is an alternative pain relief system that actually works! So I'm letting you in on my little discovery now because I feel compelled to tell you about it. I really like this product-- I feel that it does enough of what it says It'll do to be taken seriously.

**(I know that I'm personally feeling much better! less pain and much better mobility!) I can even standup without assistance! I recommend it if you like progressive natural products, and I also like it as part of a "smart maintenance program" --to not only maintain bone density (*like Boniva) but to regenerate bone density and cartilage ( and to do it all natural with No harmful drugs.)

I think its fair that you "check- it -out for yourself.

How Do We Finally Gain Control Of Our PAIN?

Those of us who "suffer pain" are in this "PAIN NIGHTMARE" together.... (no matter what causes the pain and discomfort) "Pain is just an unwelcomed partner we're forced to live with!" I know most of you have tried everything out there that purports to alleviate pain and you may think this particular supplement is no different than anything else you've tried. My only answer to you is Bone Morphogenetic Proteins are NOT just pain killers.

B.M.P's are the only pain supplement on the market that regenerates the bone and cartilage in the joint! *(with clinical studies to prove it.) And wouldn't it stand to reason that if your joints were rebuilt and regenerated then your "personal pain relief would FINALLY..... be a reality?

Just Remember: "Long term pain relief comes from the natural regeneration cycle of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins-and THAT is what keeps inflammation and PAIN to a bare minimum!"

The Real Cause of IBS - How Your Brain Tricks You Into An Irritable Bowel Disorder

Have you been told there's no known cause (or cure) for your irritable bowel disorder? What depressing information! Without a cause, how can you find a solution?

Well, here's some good news.

Recent evidence from neurology and rehabilitation medicine shows that the little-known cause of IBS is a "trick" your brain plays on your body.

Your brain is incredibly powerful!

In fact, it's so powerful that when you go through an intense and challenging experience, your brain takes action to protect you from feeling the full impact. And this happens without your conscious knowledge. This is wild stuff, but nobody said humans were easy to understand...

So, how does your brain trick you into an irritable bowel disorder?

There are two different answers to this question. One is from pain expert and specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine, Dr. John Sarno. The other comes from traumatologist and brain scientist, Dr. Robert Scaer. Both of these MDs have helped thousands of patients recover from chronic pain and other recurring health problems during their decades as practicing physicians.

Dr. Sarno believes that all of us are under some kind of pressure, whether it be from daily life and work, unresolved childhood events, or expectations we have of ourselves to be nice, good, perfect people. (Recognize yourself yet?)

Maybe you're great at coping with pressure. But if you have an irritable bowel disorder, Dr. Sarno suggests you open your mind to another possibility.

He says that however calm and civilized you are on the conscious level, underneath your smooth surface, another beast lurks. On the unconscious level, pressure creates intense feelings of rage. In fact, we ALL have these feelings. They are normal. Except we don't know we're having them because they are not conscious.

Now it gets even stranger. Because rage is so unacceptable, so not-nice, and so threatening, here's what your brain does to keep you from noticing that you are feeling it...

Your brain actually creates a physical problem to distract your attention!

How bizarre is that? Yet it happens to millions of people. This is how your brain tricks you into an irritable bowel disorder, or fibromyalgia, pain in your back, neck or shoulders, leg pain, TMJ, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, skin disorders, and some circulatory or heart problems. Your brain is trying to protect you by distracting you from that unbearable (and unconscious) emotion with physical symptoms.

Even though your symptoms come from a trick your brain plays on you, Dr. Sarno does NOT consider them imaginary in any way. They are very real. In fact, since so many of us have chronic pain and symptoms, Dr. Sarno believes they are a normal response to pressure and repressed rage.

Because Robert Scaer is a neurologist, he looks at things a little differently from John Sarno. He says it is your brain's reaction to trauma that triggers your symptoms when you have an irritable bowel disorder, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraine, or one of several other chronic conditions.

Dr. Scaer defines "trauma" as any event your brain perceives as a threat to your survival when you are helpless to do anything about it. The trauma could be physical, like a car accident, or emotional, like bullying at school. There are many possibilities.

Typically, when you're threatened, you go into fight or flight mode. These are normal survival reactions. There's a third reaction that happens when you experience the combination of threat and helplessness. You "freeze."

Prey animals who can't escape from the predator will freeze in a last-ditch attempt to survive. "If I look dead, maybe that big hungry lion won't eat me." Then, if the lion walks away, the prey gets up and shakes off the freeze.

We humans, on the other hand, train ourselves NOT to shake it off. Shaking and trembling look goofy and nobody wants to be that uncool. So we repress it. (There's that word again. Repression is a real killer.) This creates havoc for your Autonomic Nervous System, which controls a whole lot of your body processes including your digestion....

Now, here's where the trick comes in. When you freeze, your brain remembers everything about that trauma, and I mean everything. Sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings - everything that was going on outside of your body AND inside you. So, later on, when any little thing reminds your brain of that experience, it thinks you're in danger again and it triggers your Autonomic Nervous System to over-react.

That's what sets off your symptoms of an irritable bowel disorder. Your brain "tricks" your body into thinking that the trauma is happening all over again. So your poor body reacts by either shutting down your digestion (constipation) or losing control of it (diarrhea, urgency), or swinging wildly between both (spasms, cramps.)

Sarno and Scaer are not the only doctors who credit the brain with causing an irritable bowel disorder. Two neuro-scientists, David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD, author of "The Instinct to Heal" and Robert Sapolsky, PhD, author of "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" both point out that it is your brain's response to threats and stresses that leads to gastrointestinal problems.

So, according to these scientists, the real cause of an irritable bowel disorder is not "all in your head," but comes from the unconscious processes of your mind and brain. Fortunately, you can use drug-free methods such as the Emotional Freedom Technique or Somatic Experiencing to do some "re-programming" and resolve your symptoms.