WHAT IS TMJ?
TMJ (temporomandibular syndrome) refers to pain in the temporomandibular
(or jaw) joint region with possible swelling, limited range of motion,
muscle spasm, earaches, grinding of teeth, facial asymmetry, clicking
or popping noises, and , occasionally, ringing in the ears. Common causes
of TMJ pain include blows to the jaw, over stretching as a result of
dental or surgical procedures, and excessive grinding or clenching of
the teeth. Most forms of arthritis can involve the temporomandibular
joint, and this joint is involved in more than 50% of cases of rheumatoid
arthritis. Up to 25 million Americans experience some form of TMJ, with
woman seemingly at greater risk.
HOW DOES WESTERN MEDICINE TREAT TMJ?
The current Western medical treatment of TMJ consists of a combination
of dental and medical approaches. These include the use of anti-inflammatory
drugs, of soft diet, hot compresses, and oral splints. Permanent dental
corrections and removable prostheses may also be recommended. Surgical
correction is necessary in 5-10% of patients. When TMJ is primarily related
to muscular tension, biofeedback and other management techniques may be
recommended.
CAN ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE MRDICINE TREAT TMJ?
Yes, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture most definitely can treat TMJ. Not
only can acupuncture typically relieve the pain, tension, and discomfort
of TMJ within a matter of minutes, we can also help you to understand the
disease mechanism that lead to this disorder and what you yourself can
do about them. This may mean relaxation and stress reduction, but it may
also mean modification in one's diet.
There are 10 different patterns in Chinese Medicine corresponding to TMJ.
The beauty of Chinese Medicine is that it takes the whole patient into
account and prescribes a treatment plan that brings the entire person back
to a sense of vibrant and dynamic balance. For instance, most womenís TMJ
involves a yin-blood vacuity failing to nourish the sinews (or muscles)
of the jaw. In this case, proper diet is extremely important as well as
supplementation with Chinese herbs which nourish the blood. Whereas, in
other patients, it may be heart-stomach fire exuberance causing the problem.
In that case, one will probably have to avoid alcohol, fatty, oily foods,
and hot, peppery foods.
CAN ONE COMBINE CHINESE & WESTERN MEDICINES?
Yes again. The combination of oral splints (worn with the mouth at night
during sleep) and Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine, often is a very effective
combination for the treatment of TMJ. In this case, the oral splints help
treat the problem mechanically, while the acupuncture and Chinese herbs
seek to redress the internal causes for this condition at their roots.
Reference: Blue Poppy Press