Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD)
is a common and painful condition concentrated in the area where your temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull.
People who experience TMJ/TMD typically suffer from multiple symptoms including: ​
​
-
Difficulty biting, chewing, and swallowing
-
Earaches or ringing
-
Face, neck, shoulder, and back pain
-
Jaw popping or clicking
-
Jaw sticking or locking
-
Jaw pain
-
Numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers
Without treatment, TMJ/TMD can progressively worsen and lead to additional problems including premature tooth wear and periodontal disease.
One of the most effective tools in diagnosing and treating TMJ/TMD is Transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS). TENS uses a mild eletrical stimulation to relax your jaw muscles, allowing your jaw to settle into a comfortable and natural position.
For some patients, reversing the nagging symptoms of TMJ/TMD is as simple as stopping poor oral health habits such as pen chewing, nail biting, ice chewing, tongue thrusting or teeth grinding.
More severe cases of TMJ/TMD may require the use of oral appliances or/in combination with orthodontic treatment.