Regenerative Injection Therapy for TMJ Disorders
Disorders of the TMJ can involve any combination of three areas: muscles of the head, neck and face, the TMJ capsule (directly in front of each ear) and postural issues primarily involving the neck with the head. Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include pain in the face to talk, chew or even when the jaw is at rest, head or neck pain. Headaches, the inability to open or close the jaw completely, clicking or grinding sounds in the TMJ capsule, jaw locking and ringing (tinnitus) or stuffiness in the ears.
Our treatment.
Our treatment for disorders of the TMJ (termed TMD) is a very conservative, methodical and non-surgical approach. Consultation and examination are designed to identify the source(s) causing the signs and symptoms. Treatment is then directed at the source of the disorder to restore proper jaw function, substantially reduce or eliminate pain and reestablish harmonious relations between the jaws, head and neck.
Conservative therapies in our practice can successfully manage many TMD problems and may include “properly designed” mouth guards, jaw and postural exercises, specialty medicaments, ultrasound treatments and correctional nutritional and medicinal recommendations. For more involved cases we offer a unique range of injection therapies that can quickly soothe painful muscles in the head and face and rebuild and strengthen ligaments and tendons around the TMJ for improved and painless function. One form of more advanced therapy that is used when muscular-related symptoms may linger despite the methodical, more conservative approach involves injections of unique, anti-inflammatory medications into facial muscle “trigger points” to reduce inflammation causing the pain and allow the muscle to relax from a more contracted state.
Prolotherapy
Also referred to as Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT) may be a stand-alone treatment or as needed to complement more conservative therapies. It is well documented that Regenerative Injection Therapies can heal injured TMJs and related musculature as the alternative to more aggressive treatments or invasive surgical procedures. Research on RIT supports the use and benefits in the treatment of TMJ disc dislocations, painful and arthritic TM Joints, tinnitus or ear ringing, and clicking or grinding sounds in the TM Joints.
Please call us to schedule your thorough consultation, examination and assessment and see if we have the best solution for your TMD condition.