Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Headaches and Jaw Pain and Splints, Oh My!

TMJ can be an overwhelming, frustrating, and sometimes scary disorder. Much like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, your world can feel like it's flipped upside down when you're experiencing TMJ pain.

PHOTO CREDIT: SUPRIJONO SUHARJOTO/ISTOCK
Each day, we speak to so many patients who have limited jaw mobility, have difficulty chewing or talking, suffer from mild to severe headaches, and have neck, shoulder, and even lower back pain. People are often shocked by the fact that their jaw muscle can have such a tremendous impact on their lives.

We have some patients that are professional singers, violinists, and other musicians that delay recording and often feel depressed by their inability to preform. Others feel burdened by TMJ because it limits their ability to socialize because they are uncomfortable talking and going out to eat with friends or family. Other patients feel frustrated because they have been slipping with a splint, night-guard, or orthotic device and have not had any relief (to read more about splint therapy and why it may not be working click here: http://thetmjdoctor.blogspot.com/2013/09/splint-therapy-for-tmj.html).

With so many different symptoms and treatment options it's no wonder that TMJ can be an overwhelming diagnosis. We want to help you down your path to treatment and TMJ pain relief.

People do not always associate headaches and earaches with jaw pain but many times those symptoms correlate directly with TMJ/TMD. Frequently, these are symptoms of malocclusion which means that the jaw is not balanced and the stress of this imbalance can lead to jaw pain. Dr. Farnad has been successfully treating TMJ for over two decades and has the ability to tailor treatment plans specifically to each patient's individual symptoms. It is so important to understand that no two people experience TMJ in the same way. This knowledge allows you choose a doctor that recognizes your individuality as a patient.

Many times patients experience some symptoms and not others. Many patients have told us that they cannot believe their headaches are from TMJ because they do not experience clicking or popping sounds coming from their jaw. Other patients tell us they hear sounds coming from their jaw but have no other symptoms and chances are, these two patients will need a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause and the solution for their TMJ.

If you are experiencing:

- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Grind your teeth
- Hear clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw
- Have a difficult time opening, closing, or moving your mouth
- Have earaches

You should consult a doctor to discuss treatment options. Often times, people are afraid of going to the dentist. However, the appropriate specialist can significantly decrease your jaw pain, even remove pain completely! We hope even if your nervous about navigating the TMJ treatment path, you will visit Dr. Farnad to get a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.

To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300
421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Dr. Fariborz Farnad is a TMJ specialist located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Treating patients throughout Los Angeles, including Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Orange County, Long Beach, Downey, Irvine, Northridge, Cerritos, Santa Barbara, Encino.



Monday, November 4, 2013

TMJ Exercises

A lot of our patients ask us what can they do at home to help with their TMJ. We have compiled a few exercises that should help with your TMJ. If these cause more pain, do not continue, call our office for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Farnad.

1.  Hold your tongue on the roof of your mouth and move your jaw slowly up and down. Try not to let your mouth move from side to side. You want to increase your jaw joint strength.

2.  Follow this link for some great exercises with images: http://www.wikihow.com/Cure-TMJ-with-Jaw-Exercises

3. The most important exercise is relaxation. We cannot stress this enough. In fact, we shouldn't stress, we should relax! Seriously, deep and slow breathing can really help you relax when you are experiencing TMJ pain. A lot of our patients who do yoga feel that their TMJ symptoms are helped. You can also try long walks and meditation.

4. Sleepy? Yawning may sound nice but support your chin when you feel the need to yawn. Guide your chin with your hand to relieve jaw joint pressure.

5. Avoid chewing gum. Some people think constantly moving the joint muscles will help. Instead, this can further damage and cause pain.

6. Heat the area with a warm towel. This can reduce pain and inflammation. If heat does not work, you can try the same thing with ice. Do not ice for longer than 15 minutes at a time.

Remember, a lot of these exercises work best for mild TMJ symptoms. If any of these worsen your symptoms or do not alleviate your pain we sincerely suggest seeing a specialist. Our Beverly Hills Office is here to support you in finding the correct TMJ treatment.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Farnad, call (310)276-5300.
Have questions? The TMJ Doctor is happy to answer them, just email dr.fariborzfarnad@gmail.com

421 N. Rodeo Dr. #T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310)276-5300

TMJ Specialist for Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas