“Temporomandibular Disorder Can Trigger Vicious Circles”

As mentioned in Temporomandibular Disorder (1), temporomandibular disorder, or to be more precise malposition of the temporomandibular joint, is just one part of more general symptoms. Distortions of the bone structure are proportional to the physical condition of the body, and there are individual differences in how the distortions develop. A significant misalignment of the temporomandibular joint suggests how bad the patient’s physical condition is with regard to his/her bone structure distortions.

At the initial visit to our clinic, we perform a “Contortion Check”, and examine movements of the temporomandibular joint before and after a therapy session. In this examination, abnormalities such as sounds arising from friction or inability to make certain mouth movements are found in all patients. Other examinations are also performed to check the timing, distance and direction (i.e., sliding outward) of the movements made by the temporomandibular joint as the patients open and close the mouth.

Abnormality in the movements of the temporomandibular joint has a further implication in facial distortions as it suggests that patients are using an unsymmetrical chewing motion when they eat. This will continue for years if no treatment is provided.

Our approach to treatment of the abnormal chewing motion does not focus on correction of the motion through conscious effort on the part of patients. This is based on our understanding that the human body has an ability to correct misalignments naturally. The healing process will be faster if no direct treatment implemented, provided that the patient follows the guidelines stipulated by our clinic.

Unsymmetrical chewing motions and malocclusion increase the risk of dental caries and gum inflammation due to uneven pressure distribution on each of the thirty-two permanent teeth. They also compromise the homeostasis of teeth by delaying neurotransmission in each tooth, increasing the risk of dental caries.

The risk of dental caries is further increased, as saliva performs an important physiological function to prevent dental cries by cleaning teeth. Some professionals believe that brushing teeth within 30 minutes after eating a meal may undermine saliva’s function by preventing saliva from having a time to do its job. As a general rule, please remember “Don’t brush your teeth within 30 minutes after eating a meal”.

Irritation of the digestive system is another negative pervasive effect caused by abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint. This irritation causes pressure on the salivary glands, thus preventing natural salivation and compromising the functions of digestion and absorption. In addition, this abnormal salivation can cause swellings and skin disorders due to inadequate secretion of parotin, a salivary gland hormone.

The head of the mandible - the tip of the jaw - is located very close to the ear canal, which explains why malposition of the temporomandibular joint is often accompanied with tinnitus or dizziness. It should be noted that if there is a dysfunction of the sense of equilibrium that involves the inner ear, you may easily trip over and the risk of injuries or accidents increases.

After a chiropractic therapy session at our clinic, some patients may experience dizziness, tinnitus or some sensation in the ear such as that which normally happens when you go into a tunnel, however this is due to the temporomandibular joint stimulating the ear as it moves back to the right position. It is a temporal condition that occurs when the body progresses along the road to recovery, and it is no cause for concern.

The objectives of our treatment are not to directly remove symptoms brought on by the vicious circle, but to activate natural healing powers that will put an end to the vicious circle. The therapy is provided to correct (adjust) misalignment of the upper cervical vertebrae (subluxation) by treating only one area of the cervical vertebrae. The patient is asked to lie on his/her side, and pressure is softly applied to the neck area, lasting only a few moments. This is all that is required to improve the functions of the whole body.

All patients, whether their symptoms are of temporomandibular disorder or otherwise, receive the same treatment to correct one of the cervical vertebrae to activate the body’s natural healing power. There is no special therapeutic method to treat a specific illness or disorder.

Complete Guide for Distortions: Information for facial and other distortions.

About treatment of temporomandibular disorder Temporomandibular disorder is also associated with cranial distortions.
For successful treatment of temporomandibular disorders How to treat temporomandibular disorder to prevent the illness from causing adverse effects on the whole body.
Cases of treatment of temporomandibular disorder Temporomandibular disorder is also associated with cranial distortions.
For more information on how to treat temporomandibular disorder Complete Guide for Temporomandibular Disorder in Complete Guide for Physical Illnesses.