TMJ/TMD Treatment Thousand Oaks CA

TMJ disorders, short for Temporomandibular Joint disorders, can often be the result of an unbalanced bite causing muscle tension throughout the jaw of the face. Though it might sound like a minor thing, tension in this area can actually hurt your whole body in many different ways.

Some sings that you may experience include:

• limited mouth opening
• Pain in your jaw joint
• headaches
• Wear on your teeth
• Ear pain or problems
• Pain or stiffness in your neck, shoulders, or back
• Dizziness
• Unexplained teeth or facial pain
• Numbness in fingers or arms

What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ is an acronym for the Temporomandibular Joint. You know it as your “jaw joint”. It’s the area where your lower jaw attaches your skull. And, you have two of these joints, one on each side of your head. They are truly partners and they MUST work together. If you feel pain in your jaw, that jaw pain is often referred to as “TMJ”. TMD is an acronym for the term Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (or Dysfunction). It’s a catch-all term that’s used o describe the many different problems tat can arise when your jaw joint isn’t working properly. Issues with your jaw, your jaw joint, or the muscles of your face that control how you move your jaw is what causes TMD. What happens when TMJ/TMD symptoms are not addressed? The more you wait, the more it will hurt, the more it will cost, and the more it will impact your life.

TMJ/TMD Can Cause Migraines & Headaches!

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms reported by those who suffer from TMJ disorders. IF you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, it may be due to TMJ problems. When your bite, facial muscles, or jaw joint are not in proper alignment, it can lead to aches and pains involving the head, jaw, neck, shoulders, and back.

Stop the Pain

Treatment for TMJ related headaches involves more than just treating the pain symptoms of headache. Once your jaw and muscles are repositioned, your headaches should go away. If you experience chronic, or frequent headaches, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Linda Johnstone has the experience and the state of the art equipment needed to diagnose and treat your TMJ disorders.

Therapeutic Orthotic Solutions

Therapeutic orthotics are made of clear acrylic, designed to fit your lower teeth (We fit to the lower teeth whenever possible, because orthotics attached to lower teeth are more comfortable than those attached to upper teeth.) The biting surface of the orthotic simulates a set of properly positioned teeth and therefore properly positioned jaw joints. The orthotic bite relaxes your jaw muscles, aligning the jaw joints to bring balance and harmony to the jaw muscles and joints when they are closed, in a resting position. That balance extends to the musculo-skeletal systems of the shoulders, neck, head and back – to help provide alignment, stability and comfort to those systems as well. By correcting the imbalances in your jaw, orthotics can help eliminate your pain. The truth is that there is no reason for you to live in pain. Let us help you find the right treatment and eliminate your TMJ pain.