TMJ and Pain Therapy
Everyone is Different
There are many symptoms of TMJ disorders that can present themselves in a variety of ways.
The abbreviation "TMJ" literally refers to the joint but is often used to mean any disorders or symptoms of the jaw joint region and are better referred to as TMD.
Many TMD symptoms are caused by the effects of physical and emotional stress while others can be caused by trauma to the head, neck or jaw.
TMD Signs and Symptoms 
A variety of symptoms may be linked to TMD. Pain, particularly in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint, is the most common symptom. Other likely symptoms include:
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Radiating pain in the face, neck or shoulders
- Painful clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- A sudden, major change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
Symptoms such as headaches, earaches, dizziness and hearing problems may sometimes be related to TMD. It is important to keep in mind however, that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is quite common and is generally not a cause for concern.
 Treatment
Dr Tony Simeone from DCO strongly believes in treatment using a multidisciplinary model. Many times the patient will present with symptoms that are clearly a result of improper function of the Temporomandibular joint, however the cause may be due to poor posture, bad bite, prior injuries distant from the site of where they may be experiencing pain. In these cases working in a multidisciplinary approach betters the outcome of care. This may include Physio Therapists, Chiropractors, Internal Medicine, ENT, Neurologist, Oral Surgeons, Nutritionists, and Certified Massage Therapists.
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