A Holistic Approach to Effective Relief for TMJ Disorder
Combining Dental Expertise with Chinese Medicine for TMJ Relief
If you've ever experienced ringing in the ears, jaw pain, the feeling of water in your ears, tight facial muscles, headaches, neck pain, or cracking noises when chewing, you might be dealing with more than just annoying symptoms. These could be signs of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorder, a condition that affects millions. According to Dr. Jasjot Sahni from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, "Roughly 10 million people in the United States suffer from at least one TMJ disorder."
In my previous career as a Dental Hygienist, dealing with TMJ issues was a daily occurrence. I often felt helpless watching patients suffer from this disorder, with limited options for relief. Most common treatments included anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and uncomfortable mouth guards worn at night. In extreme cases, patients were referred for orthodontic treatments or even surgery, but these options were often costly, time-consuming, and offered limited success.
While treating TMJ wasn't initially the reason I pursued acupuncture, it has since become a special focus in my practice. My 36 years of dental experience give me a unique perspective on TMJ disorders, allowing me to understand and address the intricacies of the facial and body structures involved in this condition.
The Causes of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders can be caused by various factors, including:
Stress-induced muscle tightness
Structural issues within the joint
Tension in the neck and upper back due to modern lifestyle choices
The muscles of the neck and upper back attach to the head around the ear, directly impacting the joint's function.
Holistic Treatment Options for TMJ
For acute cases, finding ways to relax the muscles can quickly alleviate pain and dysfunction. For more chronic conditions, a longer treatment plan may be needed. Holistic treatment options I use include:
Facial Cupping & Gua Sha: Facial cupping uses small glass cups with a suction bulb, gliding them along the face and neck to relieve tension. After cupping, I perform gua sha using rose quartz stones for the face and jade stones for the body, further helping to release muscle tension.
PhotoBioModulation Light Therapy: This therapy increases blood flow, stimulates collagen production, and aids in healing using LED or cold laser systems.
Acupuncture: Targeting points around the ear, face, neck, and shoulders, acupuncture effectively releases tension, reduces pain, and promotes healing.
Gua Sha for muscle tension caused by TMJ.
Why Holistic Care Works for TMJ
In Chinese medicine, pain is believed to be caused by blockages in the flow of blood and Qi. When these pathways are opened, pain and inflammation decrease. Treatments like facial cupping, gua sha, acupuncture, and light therapy help achieve this without the side effects of traditional treatments like anti-inflammatory medications and night guards.
Combining Dental Knowledge with Chinese Medicine
My background in dentistry, combined with my knowledge of Chinese Medicine, allows me to create more effective TMJ treatments. These holistic therapies not only address TMJ but also provide additional benefits such as better sleep, increased energy, improved digestion, pain relief, reduced anxiety, and anti-aging effects. This holistic approach sets Chinese Medicine apart, offering a more comprehensive solution to health and wellness.
ABOUT SCOTTSDALE INTEGRATIVE ACUPUNCTURE + DR. SHELLEY O’DELL-BROCK, DAC, LAC
Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture was created to help clients look and feel their best, naturally. Owner, Dr. Shelley O’Dell-Brock, DAc, LAc, offers a holistic approach to stress reduction, pain management, and natural beauty. She uses ancient solutions for modern healing, empowering her patients to take charge of their own health. Offering cosmetic acupuncture, Gua Sha, and essential acupuncture, Scottsdale I.A. is Scottsdale’s preferred choice for natural healthcare. Your holistic health journey begins, and continues at Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture.