It is perfectly reasonable to go to the doctor of the dentist to get out of pain. If you are in pain, you hope it is possible to diagnose the cause of the pain so it can be treated and/or repaired. However, what happens when you go to the doctor and the source of the pain can‘t be found? Most typically, pain medications are recommended. Sometimes the pain goes away. Sometimes it does not.
That’s the profile of a TMJ patient: someone with unexplained pain who has been using pain medication because the pain could not be connected with the source. TMJ pain is not confined to the jaw. Headaches, migraines, neck pain, radiating pain in the shoulders, arms and back can all be symptoms of a TMJ disorder. A trained neuromuscular dentist is able to diagnose and treat TMJ with a non-invasive approach.
Many people live in chronic pain caused by TMJ without ever getting a proper diagnosis. Possibly the best way to spot this situation is to know that long-term or chronic head, neck or shoulder pain should not be treated long-term with pain medication. If you or someone you know has been on pain medication for chronic pain in the head, neck, jaw or shoulders, have them contact me to talk about TMJ. It’s possibly a life-changing conversation.
Call us today at: 469.656.4516 for a consultation.