Many people are unaware of how complex and debilitating Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder or TMJ/TMD can truly be! TMJ/TMD occurs when the muscles that surround and support the jaw and/or the jaw joints themselves become dysfunctional – and lead to pain, jaw joint noises, decreased jaw range of motion, dizziness, and more! Unfortunately, many sufferers find little relief from healthcare practitioners because there is almost NO curriculum in medical OR dental school in effectively diagnosing or treating TMJ/TMD. As a result, there are some common myths about TMJ Disorder.
Myth #1: TMJ Disorder Is Not a Big Deal
TMJ Disorder can lead to symptoms so severe that it can be anywhere from difficult to impossible to eat, move the jaw, or do simple daily functions. TMJ Disorder is known to cause frequent and debilitating headaches and neck pain. In severe cases, it may even cause numbness or tingling sensations in the arms, hands, or fingers, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. This can quickly diminish quality of life until it is treated effectively. TMJ/TMD should not be ignored no matter how insignificant you believe that your condition may be because (unfortunately) it can progress quickly! The sooner you seek treatment, the better because as TMJ/TMD progresses, it often becomes more difficult to treat.
Myth #2: TMJ Disorder Cannot Be Treated
TMJ Disorder can be treated effectively, regardless of what others may tell you or what you may read on the internet. Dr. Mistry celebrates a 90% success rate with treating TMJ/TMD. The methods she uses can include: custom orthotics, craniofacial therapy, frequent orthotic adjustments and/or DTR & TekScan. Patients with TMJ disorder often see significant improvements in their symptoms when they stick with Dr. Mistry’s TMJ Treatment Protocol.
Myth #3: TMJ Disorder Treatment is Not Affordable
While the cost for TMJ/TMD treatment varies, depending on the length of treatment and the type of therapies you need, choosing a well-skilled and qualified doctor to help you manage your condition will save you time and money in the long run. Dr. Mistry’s office focuses solely on the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ/TMD. She spends every day helping patients understand their diagnosis and applying treatments that work by reducing pain and inflammation and increasing blood flow to the jaw joints and the muscles that surround and support the jaw. Additionally, she offers payment plans and Care Credit as financial options. The jaw joints are the MOST USED joints in your body!! They deserve time, attention, and care.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment in Vancouver, WA (near Portland, OR)
The best way to know fact from fiction as it relates to TMJ disorder is to consult with Dr. Mistry – the TMJ Doc. Contact her office by calling (503) 255-8293. Dr. Mistry offers non-surgical treatment to help relieve pain and reduce other symptoms associated with TMJ Disorder.
