TMJ disorders have been called the "Great Impostors" due to the fact that many of the symptoms have overlapping characteristics, which often mimic other conditions. Because these symptoms masquerade so many other conditions, many people travel from medical doctor to medical specialist in search of a cure. Most patients never think to contact a dentist since the symptoms are primarily medical in nature. TMJ symptoms may include any of the following: Headaches Earaches, congestion or ringing in the ears Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening and closing the mouth Limited jaw opening or locking Neck pain or stiffness Dizziness and fainting Pain when chewing Facial pain Difficulty closing the teeth together Tired jaws when chewing Numbness in hands Difficulty in swallowing

The temporomandibular joints are among the most utilized joints in the body, due to their prolonged use during chewing, talking, singing, yawning, etc. Jaw dysfunction (TM dysfunction) means that the lower jaw is not in its proper relationship to the upper jaw. This frequently results in a dislocation of the protective disc anteriorly as the lower jaw assumes a position further back than normal.

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES Lower Jaw Too Far Back, Deep dental overbite, Upper front teeth tipped backwards, Back teeth missing, Result: causes dislocation of the protective disc anteriorly Unbalanced Muscles, Clenching or grinding habits, Bad posture, Trauma, Automobile accidents, Whiplash injury, Intubation procedures in hospitals, Trauma to the head or jaw,

For most patients the TMD treatment is devided into two phases, 1. Diagnostic Phase 2. Jaw stabilization phase. Often patient needs some Cranial Osteopathy treatment as well to address the balance of the cranium, spine and pelvis with dentition.