Overview

Please see conventional, complimentary and alternative medical treatments for important background information regarding the different types of medical treatments discussed on this page. Naturopathic, Complimentary and Alternative treatments that may be considered include:

Etiology

The exact cause of TMJ is unknown, but TMJ is associated with abnormal tone in the jaw muscles and also with arthritic changes in the joint itself. Bruxism (teeth-grinding) may also contribute to TMJ.

Differential Diagnosis

Treatment

The first priority is to protect the teeth from damage by excessive clenching and grinding (bruxism). Your dentist can assist with fitting an appliance to protect your teeth. There are also products advertised for sale over the counter (e.g. Go to "Doctor's Night Guard" "Doctor's Night Guard") that claim to do the same thing. Dr. Weyrich has not evaluated these products.

Joint manipulation by a Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Chiropractor, or DO is helpful in some cases. The Activator Technique has a special advanced protocol specifically for the treatment of TMJ.

Patients who have concomitant hypothyroidism often see a gradual resolution of their symptoms when their hypothyroid condition is treated [Starr2005, pg 120].

Prolotherapy is sometimes used to treat ligamental laxity, but since ligamental laxity is a symptom of hypothyroidism, Dr. Weyrich recommends addressing hypothyroidism before considering prolotherapy.

Trigger point injection is sometimes used to treat muscle pain and tension, but since trigger point injections are expected to only provide temporary relief, and since chronic muscle pain is a symptom of hypothyroidism, Dr. Weyrich recommends addressing hypothyroidism before considering trigger point injections.

References