TMJ-Too Much Jaw

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In this episode we discuss TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorders.  Dr. Sheryl Young is an

experienced chiropractor in San Francisco. She offers us a review of anatomy and the chiropractic perspective on TMJ disorders. Professor Charles McNeill informs us from the dentist’s point of view. We discover that the first stages of sleep are crucial to preventing sleep bruxism and that daytime bruxism may be more important than sleep bruxism.  Surprisingly the newer antidepressants, the SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), can increase jaw muscle tension. Of course dental occlusive splints, or night guards are helpful in preventing tooth damage, but they don’t prevent actual jaw clenching.  Most surgical interventions for TMJ have a very high failure rate but new advances in stem cell research show some promise for re-building damaged temporomandibular joints. Exciting stuff.  A good friend and former roommate, Sarah Covert tells us about how she is managing her orofacial pain and another friend Pooja Gupta relates her experiences with jaw pain.  If you have TMJ pain feel free to share your experience, including what has and hasn’t worked well for you. Feel free to comment here or on our facebook page.  I’d be delighted to hear your story. Also, if you are looking for more resources you can go visit The TMJ Association, Ltd. 

too much jaw

not enough laud

too much effort

not enough reward

too much money

not enough honey

too much chow

not enough food

too much communication

not enough relation

too much work

not enough employment

too much fun

not enough enjoyment

too much cry

not enough weep

too much bed

not enough sleep

too much touch

not enough love

yep, too much jaw

not enough drawl

-jaysi 2013