TMJ Therapy
Symptoms of TMJ | Causes of TMJ | Sleep-Apnea/Snoring
Fibromyalgia | Migranes & Tension | Osteoporosis
Temporomandibular Dysfunction, or TMD/TMJ, is a common, overlooked problem. If you have clicking, popping or unexplained headaches you may have TMD/TMJ. When your jaw is out of alignment you can suffer with an endless number of symptoms. We have simple and non-surgical ways to treat this condition with the goal of quick pain relief for the sufferer. We offer a complimentary consultation to see if a comprehensive exam is warranted for anyone who may be interested in knowing how this treatment can benefit them.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction affects approximately 20 percent of all Americans according to the American Dental Association. It can mimic many other diseases, and therefore is often misdiagnosed or overlooked.
Common symptoms
- Dull aching pain around the ear, often radiating into the face, neck, back of head and shoulders
- Certain types of headaches, sometimes of migraine proportions
- Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, “plugged” ears, ear pain
- Tenderness of the jaw muscles
- Clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing, locking of jaws open or closed
The temporomandibular joints are the hinges located on either side of the face that connect the lower jaw to the skull. Each temporomandibular joint has two sections that permit the hinge and gliding actions needed to open the mouth widely.
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, there is a probability that you have mild, moderate or severe TMJ. To learn more about TMJ, contact Dr. Scherer and make an appointment: (906) 484-2208 or visit our contact page for further information.
Back to top
What causes TMJ?
Many things can cause TMJ. Some of the more common things are malocclusion or problems in the way the teeth fit together, a blow to the jaw or head, clenching or grinding of the teeth, arthritis of the jaw, poorly fitting dentures, yawning for prolonged periods with the mouth open too wide, extraction of teeth or missing back teeth, birth trauma due to delivery complications, and traction involving the head, jaws and neck.
The most common TMJ disorder originates in the jaw muscles and is called myofacial pain dysfunction (MPD). MPD strikes three times as many women as men-usually those between 20 and 40 years old-and results from a tendency to deal with tension and stress by clenching or grinding the teeth. These habits can tire the muscles and trigger spasms, producing pain, more spasms and, eventually, a TMJ disorder. MPD sufferers may or may not have problems with their bite.
Because this disorder mimics so may other conditions, diagnosis may be complicated. Many people may spend a great deal of time and money searching for the source of their symptoms. If your physician cannot find any underlying conditions, he/she could consider the possibility of TMJ and recommend that you consult Dr. Scherer to find out what your treatment options are.
Back to top
Snoring is partially obstructed breathing. Sleep apnea is totally obstructed breathing (breathing stops completely) for 10 seconds or longer. It is a common and often times serious condition that frequently goes unrecognized. You are not able to breathe. Within a few seconds you may start to gasp, snort, struggle, or quickly change your sleeping position until the blockage is relieved. You subsequently return to a sleeping position where the blockage recurs and the cycle starts all over again. Loud snoring with gasping or choking sounds is the major indication that you have sleep apnea.
Virtually all people that have sleep apnea snore, but not all snorers have sleep apnea. Because sleep is repeatedly interrupted during the night you never get a full night’s sleep, and daytime sleepiness is a second major indication. Other indications include falling asleep during the day, automobile accidents or accidents on the job due to tiredness or exhaustion, changes in personality, mental fatigue resulting in difficulty in thinking and concentrating, frequent nocturnal urination, and high blood pressure with the attendant increased risks of heart attack and stroke. Suspect you have sleep apnea if your spouse reports that your stoppage of breathing, gasps, choking, and your attempts to start breathing again “scare them to death”.
Some 76 million people in North America (U.S. and Canada) suffer from snoring. Snoring is frequently a person’s most socially disruptive and annoying personal trait. Recent research reveals that continuing throughout life as a snorer or a sleep apnea no longer is unavoidable, but rather is a personal choice-a decision by a specific person not to do anything about it.
Sleep Apnea Self-Diagnosis & Self-Referral Program
- Have you been told that you snore?
- Have you been told that you stop breathing or hold your breath while you sleep?
- Are you still tired and irritable in the morning even though you slept through the night?
- Do you have trouble controlling your weight?
- Do you sweat excessively during the night?
- Have you noticed your heart pounding or beating irregularly during the night?
- Do you get morning headaches?
- Do you have trouble sleeping when you have a cold?
- Have you suddenly awakended gasping for breath during the night?
- Are you overweight?
- Do you seem to be losing your sex drive?
- Do you toss and turn frequently?
- Do you sometimes doze off during the day?
If you answered “Yes” to 5 or more of these questions, there is a high probability that you have mild, moderate or severe sleep apnea. To read more about Sleep Apnea and contact Dr. Scherer, you can refer yourself to Dr. Scherer and call for an appointment: (906) 484-2208 or visit our contact page for further information.
Back to top
What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, which causes widespread pain and fatigue, as well as a variety of other symptoms. The name Fibromyalgia comes from “fibro” meaning fibrous tissues (such as tendons and ligaments), “my” meaning muscles, and “alga” meaning pain. Unlike arthritis, Fibromyalgia does not cause pain or swelling in joints: instead it produces pain in the soft tissue around joints, in skin and in various organs of the body.
The pain of Fibromyalgia usually consists of diffuse aching or burning and it is often accompanied by muscle spasm. It varies from day to day and can change location, becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used the most (i.e. the face and jaws, neck, shoulders and feet). In some people the pain can be intense enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living including their occupational activities. The fatigue of Fibromyalgia may vary from person to person ranging from a tired feeling to the exhaustion of flu-like illness. The good news is that FMS is not fatal, nobody dies from it.
Up to 10 million Americans have been estimated to have Fibromyalgia. The condition exists worldwide and while most prevalent in adult women it can occur in children, the elderly and men.
Back to top
Headache: Migraine & Tension
Ouch! Headaches are no fun. Stress, diet, heredity and environmental conditions commonly cause them. Millions of us get them and we take lots of remedies to get rid of them.
Some dental conditions may be responsible for headaches too. Deep cavities, periodontal disease and tooth grinding can all cause them. So can fractured, cracked or crooked teeth. Another possible headache source might be TMD or Temporomandibular joint disorder, which strains facial muscles and leads to tension discomfort. 92% of all recurring headaches come from a TMJ problem. This applies even to migraine headaches. If you have recurring headaches the chances are better that you would get relief from Dr. Scherer than a neurologist.
If you suffer from frequent headaches, tell us. We can perform a thorough examination to see if they are related to your teeth, mouth or jaw. If so, we will review treatment options right away and work with your other physicians to help reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
Back to top
Osteoporosis of the Jaws
Osteoporosis is a bone disease affecting mostly older women. Our bones normally go through a continual process of breaking down and reforming. However, with osteoporosis, bone formation lags behind bone breakdown. Consequently, bones become porous and fragile. Familiar signs of this problem include the back that arches forward and the fractured hips and wrists suffered by older individuals.
How does this disease affect oral health? As the jawbone loses its density, there eventually may not be enough bone to support the teeth, resulting in tooth mobility and loss. In this weakened state, the jaw can also be easily fractured.
Early preventative measures can be the key to reducing the risks of osteoporosis. Eating a calcium rich diet and getting regular weight bearing exercise throughout life may be the best actions you can take for your bones.
Back to top
