Quote:
Originally posted by Ustwo
The TMJ is one of the most frustrating parts of dentistry/orthodontics.
We used to do a lot of surgery on them in the 80's and we screwed up a LOT of joints doing so. Now the normal treatment is do a little as possible unless the pain is very great or its a degenerative condition.
There are some problems with the TMJ I can fix with orthodontics, BUT you could take two people with the same apparent problem, and after orthodontics, one might be fine and the other will still have the problem.
Also TMJ problems tend to affect women more, but don't ask us to explain why. We can't.
If you have an occasional lock, but no pain my suggestion is to do nothing. There may be problems with your bite, which might improve the condition, but if your occlusion is sound then treatment is not indicated. The joint tends to re-arrange itself better then we can do it, which is understandable since its pretty important for survival.
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Im in massage therapy school right now, and TMJ Disorder is something that we learn quite a bit about. Neuromuscular massage therapy (NMT) can work miricles for many TMJ cases (if its your musculature thats the issue). Dentists in some parts of the country have started bringing structural massage therapists into their practices specifically for TMJ cases. Check it out.
Craniosacral therapy might be helpful as well.