Splint adjustment & interesting conversation with Neuro dentist - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

kami-girl · 08-21-2003, 09:54 PM

Hi to all,
Today I had a 3 hour app't with my neuro dentist. 1 hour of tens, splint adjustment (badly needed) and interesting conversation. It seems that my muscles in my jaw are severly fatigued and yes the stress that I have been under has slowed my progress. I questioned chiropractic treatment and he told me that because the jaw is torqued that my neck muscles are also being affected. The kind of chiro treatment ( which he says goes hand in hand with neuro treatment ) is called "Upper Cervical Chiropractic" This type of Chiro specialty deals with the first vertebrae at the top of the neck. The adjustments are quite involved and completely non invasive. If anyone wants more info check on google under - nucca -

My splint adjustment was quite weird because I had clenched and chewed it so much that it had to be built up. Yuk, they use epoxy and it not only tasted terrible but the smell is unreal! I have noticed a difference already, the ear ringing has diminished about 40% and my face shape has definately changed. It's amazing how different I look without such an underbite.

I also asked him what the difference was between a neuro dentist and a othodontist. From what I gathered, an ortho is trained to give a person what is considered a perfect bite, meaning the upper and lower teeth fit perfectly in line with each other however that is not necessarily where the muscles are the most comfortable and that is why using the tens and muscle measurement after is so important in making a splint that is custom fit for each individual. Incidently, he had tmj problems himself after getting braces from an othodondist and that is why he is into this field of dentistry.

My main question for him was how long will it take to get rid of the ear problems and dizziness. He said in most cases that is one of the last symptoms to diminish. This problem arises from the Veli Palantini muscle. Thanks to Elaine, Cymy Sue, cfreund and Crystall you can read all about these problems posted by Elaine - Topic - Pterygoid Muscles - dated 10-29-2002.

I am planning to see a ucc chiropractor next week and will let you all know how it goes.

Grace

crystalll · 08-22-2003, 10:37 AM

Hi Grace,

Sounds like a very productive appointment. I'll certainly look up the chiropractic treatment that you mentioned. I still have a fear of adjustments of my c-spine, but I'm trying to stay open-minded.

As usual, I would definitely like to hear any updates in regards to your dizziness. I was also told that the ear symptoms are the last to diminish.

Best of luck.

Crystal

SarahSue · 08-23-2003, 12:50 PM

Grace,

in one of your other posts, you recommended MSM glucosamine gel. What is it? What does it do? and where do you get it? Just curious.

Thanks,

Sarah

TamE · 08-23-2003, 01:28 PM

Kammi,

In your post, you said you had 1 hour of tens....what exactly is that? I'm going on Thursday for my first appointment with an orthodonist, and most of this is still new to me.

kami-girl · 08-23-2003, 06:24 PM

Hi Sarah,

Glucosamine/MSM to my knowledge comes in two forms, capsules or pills for internal use or cream or gel for external use. The capsule is supposed to help lubricate joints ie: tmj or arthritic conditions.

The gel or cream is a herbal anti-inflammatory. I use both, the capsule I open and mix in orange juice. (the pills are too big to swallow) I don't know how helpful it is for tmj but doesn't seem to make any worse. The gel I swear by because I find that if I rub it on my tmj and neck area it gives me alot of instant relief from pain. I think it works on the muscles. The product I use is from a Canadian Company called Swiss. These products can be found in practically any Health food, drug store or grocery store that sells vitamins. I have had other people try the gel on sore backs, knees etc and they have also said that the relief is pretty much instant. I use it at least four to six times per day.

I hope you find this info useful for you!

Grace