The first step along the pathway of recovery is to grow our understanding.
For those who may not be aware, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction affects the joints that connect the jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone).
When these joints are misaligned or under tension due to stress, malocclusion, or other factors, one can experience pain and limited function.
The common symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Clicking or popping sounds in the joint
- Difficulty or pain when opening the mouth
- Myofascial pain in the face
- Earaches, headaches, and neck pain
- Shoulder tension and discomfort
- Discomfort or pain while eating
How Dentists & Acupuncturists can Work in Tandem
Dental Treatment: Dentists play a crucial role in managing TMJ Dysfunction by addressing the structural and functional aspects. Treatments may include:
- Occlusal Adjustments: Correcting bite alignment to reduce stress on the TMJ.
- Occlusal Splints: Custom-made appliances to protect teeth from grinding and clenching, easing pressure on the jaw.
- Orthodontic Interventions: Realigning teeth and jaw to restore proper function.
Acupuncture Treatment: Acupuncture complements dental treatments by targeting both local and distal points to:
- Relieve Pain and Tension: Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body (such as the Masseter, Temporalis, and Sternocleidomastoid muscles) to reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain, and improve jaw mobility.
- Enhance Relaxation: By addressing stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalances—common contributors to TMJ Dysfunction—acupuncture helps patients manage symptoms more effectively.
- Support Healing: Promotes blood circulation and energy flow (Qi) to enhance the body’s natural healing processes.
ACUPUNCTURE PROTOCOLS
- The way in which Acupuncture tends to this issue involves a combination of directly acting on affected muscles [Masseter, Temporalis, Trapezius, Scalenes, Sternocleidomastoid, etc.], and also distally treating the symptoms and possible blockages, via hands and limbs for instance.
- When considering distal treatment, such as the hands, there are points in this region which connect to the head, neck and arm, via channels [Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory] as well as innervation [Biomedical Lens].
- Moreover, distal treatment can entail an aim of calming and relaxing patients, seeing as stress and imbalanced emotions and its evidently related muscular tension is one component that can cause or worsen TMJ.
Quick fact:
Did you know that people who are biologically born as females are twice as likely to develop Temporomandibular dysfunction ?
WHY A COMBINED APPROACH WORKS BEST
Combining dental and acupuncture treatments provides a comprehensive strategy for managing TMJ Dysfunction, addressing both the root causes and symptoms.
- Faster Symptom Relief: Acupuncture can quickly alleviate pain and muscle tension, providing immediate comfort while dental interventions address underlying structural issues.
- Long-term Stability: Dental treatments realign and stabilize the jaw, while acupuncture helps manage stress and muscle tension, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
- Holistic Care: This multidisciplinary approach considers the patient’s overall well-being, addressing physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects contributing to TMJ Dysfunction.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
A study of Acupuncture for relief of TMJ Dysfunction Symptomatology reveals just how effective this ancient treatment can be for our modern day struggles:
A woman facing immense pain from TMJ Dysfunction, Malocclusion, Stress, Trouble Masticating, and so on… Since over the counter medicine was no longer lessening the pain, she decided to enter a study and experience Acupuncture.
“The electrical activity of the muscles was recorded at rest, maximum voluntary contraction, maximum protrusion, left lateral movement, clenching wax, habitual mastication, chewing peanut, and chewing raisin.”
“EMG [Electromyography] test was performed right before the first acupuncture session, right after it, and after the fifth session “
“At week 1, VAS* score was 8 before the EMG test and 10 after it. VAS score was 0 after the first acupuncture session and 3 after the EMG test. […] After the last session, the patient reported no more painful symptoms.”
There were a combination of treatments involved for the patients recovery:
“The patient underwent occlusal adjustment after the first acupuncture session and will receive a myorelaxing occlusal splint to protect the teeth and neuromuscular system from parafunctional activities such as teeth clenching and bruxism.”
“In this case report, acupuncture was chosen before occlusal splint therapy because of its effectiveness on acting quickly on TMD painful symptoms as was observed by the absence of pain after acupuncture treatment since the first session, directly impacting the patient’s well-being considering that pain was present for 2 months and medications were not working effectively anymore.”
“However, acupuncture alone does not cure TMD due to its multifactorial etiology which often requires multidisciplinary approaches that not only treat painful symptomatology but also work to eliminate the causes.”
*: VAS = Visual Analogue Scale to represent a patient’s self reported pain
[Study: Acupuncture in Temporomandibular Disorders Painful Symptomatology: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Study from October 2020]
CONCLUSION & MISSION STATEMENT
For optimal management of TMJ Dysfunction, a combination of dental care and acupuncture provides the best outcomes by addressing both the physical alignment and functional aspects of the jaw, as well as the emotional and muscular tension that contribute to the condition.
In this way, we wish to inform the public on the wonders of combining dental and acupuncture treatments to provide a comprehensive strategy for managing TMJ Dysfunction, addressing both the root causes & the symptoms which can greatly impact over all well-being.
In terms of long-term self-care, anti-inflammatory components found in herbal tea or botanical formulae can be a great fit for some. Seeing as Inflammation begets more inflammation, being proactive is a good way to strengthen your overall well being.
We hope you found this read stimulating, as we aim to inform the public as to the many roles Acupuncture & Holistic Wellness Practices can play in modern day health care.
We strongly believe in the strength that can arise when medical practitioners can work in tandem for the best patient outcomes!
Quick fact:
Hypnosis and acupuncture can both help you release you very own endogenous (internal) painkillers and mood boosters!
