Monday, August 5, 2013

TMJ Disorder: Exploring Complementary and Alternative Therapy


Pain related to temporomandibular disorder can be managed through different therapeutic regimens depending on the primary cause. Homemade remedies include the use of sedatives like pain relievers, use of heat compress in the affected part, and massaging the affected area. It is suggested that if the pain is not relieved within the day to consult immediately with a doctor. There may be underlying medical conditions that resulted in the pain in the temporomandibular region. Habits like teeth clenching, excessive gum chewing, teeth grinding should also be noted since these could be the culprit behind the pain you are experiencing.

Several treatments are available for managing TMJ treatment through either contemporary or modern medicine, or through a complementary and alternative form of medicine. Your doctor will give you an overview of different contemporary forms of treatment that is suitable for you depending on the signs and symptoms you experience upon assessment in the doctor's clinic. However, you have a choice to whether you would like to try a different approach like the use of alternative forms of therapy that have been proven to alleviate and manage pain related to TMJ disorder.

The use of alternative medicine calls for evidenced based practices that have had undergone peer reviews and clinical trials to prove its efficacy. Databases like the Cochrane Collaboration of researchers and clinical trials will give you updated reviews on different alternative therapies that would suit TMJ treatment. If you are not sure whether such therapy suggested by others would be suited for you, and you would be more comfortable if scientific researches and evidence proved the therapies claim for promoting good health and healing, and then conduct interviews, then that is your prerogative.

Some forms of alternative medicine on TMJ treatment that have returned substantial reports through utilizing different search engines online include acupuncture, relaxation techniques and massage. You can also ask around and see firsthand what other people are experiencing in regard to the effectiveness of this type of therapeutic approach. Among the different forms of complementary and alternative form of therapy for pain management, acupuncture has had a significant amount of research and evidence based clinical trials. If you have not seen or observed how acupuncture is done, you might hesitate on the way they will perform the method. Acupuncture involves the use of thread like needles inserted at a different point in the body called meridians. It is said that this meridian once properly stimulated can promote healing. Acupuncture has been around for centuries and if you ask the Chinese nationals, you will be told of different stories and instances regarding its effectiveness. It is a century old practice and is still the preferred choice among people from China and Tibet.

TMJ treatment depends on your preference. Therapy is based on the symptoms you present during assessment. Early diagnosis is essential for the development of a good prognosis. Most therapies are centered on pain management. You have the right to choose your mode of treatment whether you would go for the most convenient which is contemporary medicine or try the unusual yet proven to be effective complementary and alternative therapy like acupuncture. The choice is entirely up to you. You will be the person to decide on how you will receive therapy. You may discuss it with your doctor or you may not. Some doctors may support you in case you would like to try a different approach to healing. Some doctors may laugh at you and consider you foolhardy for even considering non contemporary medical regimens. You have the right to consider all options relevant to your overall health and well being.

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