Lack of Sleep & TMJ Pain

Could sleep be the best remedy for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD)? It may not be the absolute solution, however, it significantly improves TMJ symptoms and pain. Sleep deprivation or disturbances may actually increase TMD pain. There are also sleep disorders that mimic similar symptoms to TMJ pain. We've talked about this in our previous post on sleep apnea and TMJ. You can read more about that here. 

Lack of sleep can be detrimental to those suffering from inflammation, autoimmune disease, and TMJ sufferers. Even things such as your posture are affected by lack of sleep. Just imagine, you get little sleep, wake up, hit the snooze button, run to the office and slouch into your chair. Being hunched over, having poor posture, or sleeping in the wrong position can alter your alignment affecting your head, neck, and jaw.

If you suffer from jaw pain and TMJ pain try not to sleep on your stomach. Instead, try sleeping on your back. A physical therapist can also help alleviate some pain for some patients, depending on their individual symptoms. Sometimes, TMJ patients have other joint pain. It is very important that these issues are addressed. Although knee pain may seem to be different than jaw pain they can be intimately related.

The TMJ Doctor, located in Beverly Hills, is a center for TMJ therapy and treatment. If you have questions about our office and Dr. Farnad, the TMJ Doctor, give us a call at (310)276-5300. We look forward to hearing from you! 

www.thetmjdoctor.com

Orthodontics and TMJ

Many of our patients either one of both of the following questions:

1. Have my braces or orthodontic treatments created my TMJ/TMD problem?

2. Will braces or orthodontics correct my TMJ/TMD problem?

Unfortunately, for many people braces and orthodontics can cause TMJ/ TMD or general jaw pain. Altering the position of the teeth can directly affect the way that you bite down and utilize the muscles in your jaw.

If you need braces or orthodontic treatment for aesthetic purposes or otherwise, do not be afraid that you will start having TMJ symptoms. It's important that you find an orthodontist that understands TMJ and its relationship to the teeth. If you need assistance selecting a specialist, our office is happy to help you. Dr. Farnad works with multiple orthodontists to ensure that our patients are properly taken care of. The TMJ Doctor understands that each specialist you see for your dental needs must be on the same page regarding your treatment.

As we have mentioned before, splints, orthotics (oral), bite plates, mouth guards, are not always the solution for TMJ, it is vital if you are experiencing TMJ pain in relation to your orthodontic treatment that you alert your orthodontist and seek treatment for your TMJ. Unfortunately, these things happen all the time and the best thing you can do is relax (we don't want the stress to make your TMJ worse) and find a specialist to find a solution for your TMJ pain.

Dr. Farnad has been a TMJ/TMD specialist for over 20 years. He is internationally recognized for his comprehensive treatment and care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Farnad, The TMJ Doctor, please give us a call at (310)276-5300.

Is There a Link Between TMJ & Sleep Apnea?

The other day a patient asked us if there was a connection between her TMJ and her snoring. This is such an interesting question that we are very excited to address.

There is no direct relationship between sleep apnea and TMJ, but many sleep apnea patients have TMJ symptoms, such as muscle pain, due to emotional discomfort and lack of sleep. Patients with a small lower jaw, known as mandibular hypoplasia, have a greater chance of having TMJ derangement. Therefore, TMJ and sleep apnea are indirectly related.

Furthermore, the appliance that is made for TMJ and sleep apnea, an anterior positioning splint, is almost the same! In both appliances, the lower jaw is being moved forward. This is why a lot of general dentists offer TMJ and sleep apnea treatment to their patients. We believe it is important to see a specialist for TMJ and sleep apnea because not every patient should use, or will, benefit from a splint. Take a look at our previous post about splint therapy for TMJ, here.

For more information about what TMJ treatment is right for you, call our office for a consultation 

(310)276-5300 or toll free (866)DOC-4TMJ. 

Dr. Fariborz Farnad, DMD

421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.thetmjdoctor.com

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