The Perfect Diet for Cervical Spondylosis

As people age, they encounter a handful of medical conditions related to ageing. One of these age-related diseases that are mostly common in 85% of people with the age of seventy (70) is Cervical Spondylosis.

Also known as Cervical Osteoarthritis or neck arthritis, cervical spondylosis is one of those degenerative diseases that affect men more than women. The condition appears in old age as a defense against the body's natural mechanism of wear and tear. Although some people are already suffering from this condition, it is not clearly diagnosed unless a thorough neck x-ray is performed. Those who are positive with the disease often complain recurrent neck stiffness accompanied with pain.

When you are diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis, your physician will usually advise that you should adhere to a strict diet to decrease the pain intensity in your neck area. You will be required to avoid specific food preparations along with certain condiments that has the ability to worsen the pain associated with the disease. On the other hand, there are also specific fruits and vegetables that can help alleviate the neck pain caused by the degenerative condition.

If you are suffering from Cervical Spondylosis, what then are the foods you need to avoid?

One of the many contraindications of Cervical Spondylosis is fried and salty foods along with those that had been cooked with hot spices. You also need to avoid ingestion of sour food, most especially curd. Tea and coffee are included among the strictly need to avoid list.

Your "to avoid" list should also include acid-building foods such as red meat, citrus fruits and even white potatoes. Accumulation of acid in your body can signal joint inflammation and worsen Cervical Spondylosis.

It is advisable to eat wheat instead of rice. Soup along with vegetable juices is a must in your diet. To fight free radicals in your body, it is beneficial to consume foods rich in Vitamins A & C. Free radicals are sometimes the root cause of neck swelling and inflammation.

There are a lot of food selections you can choose from for an effective relief from Cervical Spondylosis. Turmeric, which is one of the primary ingredients in Indian cuisine, has the ability to block inflammation processes in the body, including joint inflammation. Include this in your diet along with apples, ginger and garlic. Foods with abundant supply of Omega 3 and Vitamin E such as oil seeds, nuts and fish can also help combat joint inflammation.

Take note that if you have Cervical Spondylosis, you should be eating four healthy meals a day. Each of your meals should include ample amounts of calcium, phosphorous and protein.

Handicapped Dogs - 4 Helpful Items

Carriers and Slings.
I carried my handicapped dog close to my heart with an over-the-shoulder sling. For the last two years of Gracie's life when she was unable to walk or stand, using this sling allowed her to continue going places with me. Worn diagonally across the body, a soft-sided hands-free sling is very comfortable without putting too much stress on one shoulder. These slings can be used for dogs, cats and other small animals, usually accommodating pets up to 20 pounds. Since Gracie was a five-pound Yorkie, this carrier was perfect for her. It slipped on and off quickly and easily and was always ready to go at a moment's notice. It made all the difference in improving Gracie's quality of life during her last two years.

Hip & Joint Supplements.
As dogs age, many of them suffer from arthritis and joint problems. Excessive inflammation puts pressure on their joints and causes moderate to severe pain, leading to impaired mobility. Cartilage degeneration is a progressive and debilitating disorder that can also impair mobility. Top-quality hip & joint supplements are available as treats for dogs with arthritis or joint problems. Read labels carefully to ensure supplements contain the most effective agents for the support and maintenance of healthy joints and cartilage.

Four of the best agents are:

1) green-lipped mussels harvested off the pristine coast of New Zealand to reduce inflammation in the joints;
2) MSM;
3) Glucosamine; and
4) Manganese to support healthy cartilage. Research supports the effectiveness of green-lipped mussels in reducing inflammation, so be sure your supplement contains this ingredient.

Lifting Harnesses.
A hand-held harness to help lift older and handicapped dogs provides an easy assist getting dogs in and out of vehicles and up and down stairs. The harness gently cushions your dog's body while its sturdy handles help you lift. This is great for dogs with hip or back problems and also for people with back problems trying to help their larger dogs.

Dog Litter Box.
Although you may not have considered a litter box as a handicap aid for your small dog, it could make all the difference. As dogs age or become handicapped, they simply can't "hold it" or make it down stairs to get outside. When people have handicap challenges, they have access to specially equipped bathroom stalls, handrails, ramps, and other assists to their physical needs. As valued members of our families, we can also help our dogs with similar assists for their needs. Compassionate care for our handicapped dogs can include simple litter box training to assist with their bathroom needs. Similar to a specially equipped bathroom stall designed for people, we can provide a litter box that is designed specifically for dogs. For ease of using an indoor bathroom station, handicapped dogs need one with a very shallow entrance to allow them to enter and exit easily and safely. If the litter box with a shallow entrance also has a taller back and sides, it will give dogs something to brace against when relieving themselves. It is certainly possible to teach an old dog new tricks, and an older or handicapped dog can easily be re-trained to use a doggy litter box instead of going outside. With successful re-training, these dogs can renew a sense of accomplishment and also fulfill their inherent need to please us.

As members of our families, dogs enrich our lives and give us love, loyalty, and laughter. Our commitment to their care is no less than what we'd give the human members of our families. We return their loyalty to us by compassionately caring for them in their "golden years".

Some Awareness About TMJ And Muscle Disorders

A group of conditions called temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs) are the leading cause of facial pain in the jaw joint, muscles that control jaw movement and supporting tissue.

The disorders cause recurrent or chronic pain and are the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition that results in pain and disability. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, facial pain stemming from TMJDs affect ten million Americans, or approximately five to 12 percent of the population, and are more common among women than men.

Temporo-Mandibular Disorder (TMD) & Muscle Skeletal Disorder (MSD)-an incorrect relationship of the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bones resulting in a malocclusion, also known as a bad bite, may or may not include jaw joint problems.

Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ)-the jaw joint, connecting the lower jaw to the skull, located near the front of the ear. A lot of people make the mistake of ignoring the problem. If they are experiencing chronic pain but put off consultation or treatment, they are likely to end up with additional symptoms and pain that are more difficult to relieve and eliminate.

There is a complex system of muscles, ligaments, bones and temporomandibular joints that connect the upper and lower jaws that control the opening and closing of the mouth and the forward, backward and side-to-side movements of the lower jaw. Any problem that prevents them from working in harmony, such as physical trauma, can result in pain and other problems, although the exact cause of TMJ disorders is often unclear. What to Look For Patients may or may not be aware of the signs of a TMJD, but they are obvious to a trained health practitioner. Some signs include one eye, shoulder, hip or leg that is shorter than the other side, worn or crowded teeth, root erosion and the position of the head.

Common TMJD Symptoms

There are a lot of symptoms that are associated with TMJDs. The most common symptoms are pain while chewing, opening and closing the mouth or touching the muscles and jaw joint. And some people tend to brush off what are actually symptoms of TMJDs as normal.

Some symptoms make sense like a jaw joint that locks when the mouth is opened wide, stiff muscles or limited movement. Some symptoms are auditory like clicking, grating or grinding sounds in the jaw. Other symptoms seem completely unrelated like headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision, eye pain, ringing ears and pain or limited mobility in the neck, shoulder and back.

Length of Treatment For TMJDs If someone suspects that they may have one of these conditions based on the signs and symptoms they are experiencing, consult with a dentist immediately. They can schedule a consultation with Alpan for a thorough review of the signs and symptoms reported on the intake paperwork, an oral and physical exam, and diagnosis and treatment plan.

There is no reliable way to estimate treatment time because patients' needs are drastically different. Some find that one to three treatments alleviate or eliminate symptoms, while others require minor tooth adjustments with orthodontics in addition to the treatments. Patients with severe and persistent symptoms may require more extensive therapy options with a different specialist.

Treatment For TMJ Disorder

There are many ways by which one can treat TMJ. However, one should seek all simple, non-invasive procedures first before moving on to invasive ones. If you think you have TMJ, go to your doctor as he will prescribe talk to you about the treatment for TMJ that you can do at home. Some of these treatments may be discussed with you: eating only soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, oatmeal. Avoid hard, crunchy and large foods. Use moist heat and cold packs and taking medications.

The doctor will also tell you to avoid doing wide movements with your mouth that will cause strain to it such as yawning too wide, resting your chin on your hand, too much talking or clenching your jaw. Generally, the doctor will tell you to avoid stressful situations. And learn to do gentle exercise and relaxation techniques that can be helpful with the management of the pain brought about by TMJ disorder. Of course, nothing will beat having enough sleep and diet. Sometimes TMJ is aggravated by lack of sleep.

The treatment for TMJ depends on the severity of the disorder and how long has it been in existence. Of course, the invasive treatment for TMJ is surgery but usually the doctor will exhaust all other options first before he will consider surgery for you. There are some patients who have done simple, non-invasive procedures and no longer needed to consider further treatments. One thing is for sure; never discount your jaw pain as just pain in the jaw. Have it looked at by a doctor and get it treated.

The Process Of Hip Replacements

It is amazing how advances in medicine and medical research now enable physicians to treat patients in so many new ways. In past years, when patients suffered from severe arthritis that affected and inflamed their joints, all the patients could do was suffer.

The most that physicians were able to do to reduce the pain of the patients was to prescribe pain relieving medications, such as aspirin, that would work for a few hours, but then the pain would return. Today, however, physicians have additional treatments for the arthritis sufferer. For example, if arthritis affects the hip joints, the patient can undergo hip replacement surgery for both pain relief and an increase in mobility. Patients who suffer from arthritis that affects their hip joints know that the pain can be excruciating.

The pain gets so bad that patients are often unable to take part in the activities they participated in before their arthritis became so severe. Sports, such as bike riding, tennis, and even golf, become no more than a memory. Even activities such as walking becomes painful so the patients often find themselves staying home more instead of going to parks or even shopping malls.

When hip pain due to arthritis becomes severe and is no longer manageable by pain medications, physicians usually prescribe hip replacement surgery. With hip replacement surgery, the original, natural hip joint is replaced with an artificial, or prosthetic, hip joint. The surgeon must take care to place the prosthetic hip joint into place properly.

After all, this is a joint that must function properly and smoothly if the patient is to regain full use of his or hips. Without hip joints that function properly, a patient will have trouble walking and standing. After the surgery is completed, the patient must undergo physical therapy to ensure that the joint is working properly. Specific exercises are prescribed that the patient must undergo after hip replacement surgery.

If the patient participates in these exercises faithfully, the outcome is likely to be very good following hip replacement surgery. The patient will be able to participate in activities that he or she had been unable to participate in for quite some time prior to the surgery.

The physical therapy exercises makes the recovery process more efficient and less likely to encounter problems that will delay healing. Therefore, it is important that the patient takes these exercises seriously and really works at them in order to get the best result in the most expeditious way possible. Just as in the case of knee surgery and its accompanying rehabilitation that athletes usually undergo, hip replacement patients have a therapy and exercise regimen of their own.

The therapy and exercises associated with hip replacement surgery can sometimes be uncomfortable, especially since the patient has only recently had surgery and now has to use muscles that haven't been used in some time. With these exercises, however, hip replacement patients will find that their prosthetic hip joints will allow them to enjoy life and participate in a variety of physical activities just as knee surgery rehabilitation is known for helping athletes resume their sports activities.

Mechanical Traction - Does It Work?

Patients suffering from lower back pain and neck pain often take the help of mechanical traction - a kind of physical therapeutic intervention - to relieve themselves of the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica, herniated discs and arthritis.

Patients with disc injuries, leg pain, neck pain and back pain are of the opinion that this form of physiotherapy is indeed highly effective. This non surgical alternative is also an effective pain curing treatment for those suffering from degenerated discs and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Various mechanical devices such as straps, halters and ropes exert pulling forces on the affected areas and longitudinally separate the lumbar and cervical spinal sections. Mechanical spinal traction of this kind helps to minimise pain symptoms associated with lumbar and cervical spinal compression.

Mechanical spinal traction increases blood flow to discs, minimises intradiscal pressure, guards your muscles, decreases sensitivity, elongates muscle tissue and creates more space for nerves in the spine - which all combine to offer relief from pain and discomfort.

This method is known as mechanical traction as it involves creating tension on the affected parts through mechanical means as opposed to manual means (performed by a physiotherapist). Usually the tension is provided by a system of weights or a machine, in conjunction with straps, sling and harness.

The machine applies mechanical pressure to pull the spine and neck away from the head, releasing and relaxing muscles and nerves. Use of muscle relaxants and heat can increase the efficacy of traction.

Cases Where Mechanical Traction Works

Patients suffering from facet joint injuries, herniated discs, disc pain, peripheral nerve irritation or nerve root irritation, arthritic alteration in the vertebral column and degenerative alteration in the vertebral bones will benefit a lot from mechanical traction.

Patients who suffer from 'pinched nerve' or spinal nerve impingement will also benefit from this treatment procedure.

Usually, mechanical spinal traction is an integral part of a much bigger treatment plan, though its efficacy by itself is highly disputed. People experiencing tingling pain and numbness or muscle spasms in their necks and backs or in their lower and upper extremities will find mechanical traction highly beneficial.

Contraindications

Elderly patients in fragile condition, children, people with a history of spinal surgery, pregnant women and patients with fractures, osteoporosis, spinal instability, hyper mobility and cancer are listed as contraindications. Any systematic disease adversely affecting the spinal integrity is also listed as a contraindication.

Overall Verdict

Traction of this kind helps to improve spinal mobility and minimises pain resulting from degenerative alterations in the facet joints, nerves, discs and the vertebral column. If you are experiencing great discomfort and pain in the lower back region or in the neck area, you will find relief through traction therapy.

Doctors, chiropractors, orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists are divided over the issue of how effective mechanical traction actually is in relieving lower back pain, neck pain and sciatica. But almost all patients unanimously agree that traction physiotherapy offers immense pain relief on a temporary basis, even if for a short period of time.

Well there we are, that is about all I can think of as relevant and I am hopeful that this information has been of some value to you.

Hip Replacement Exercises - Pre & Post Surgery Hip Exercises

A diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hip generally progresses to the likelihood of requiring a hip replacement in the near future. As the degenerative condition advances, it causes a decreased range of motion, pain, muscle weakness, gait changes, and tight muscles. Specific exercises designed for hip arthritis can help maintain range of motion at your joint, prevent loss of muscle, stretch muscles that will become tight, and lubricate the joint to decrease stiffness and pain. In addition, performing exercises prior to surgery will speed up your recovery post operation.

Goals of a Hip Arthritis Exercise Program - Pre Operation:

There are two main goals to target with a pre operation hip arthritis exercise program. One is strength of the gluteal muscles and the other is to maintain range of motion by working within your pain free range. There are exercises that work both of these goals simultaneously. The gluteal muscles are extremely important to strengthen pre operation because they comprise the stability of the joint. Ironically, arthritis causes pain, decreased range of motion, and therefore less weight bearing which all contribute to atrophy, or shrinking, of the gluteal muscles. Therefore, it is paramount to actively engage in specific strength exercises that target these muscles. Although strength and range of motion are highlighted as the priorities here, cardiovascular or aerobic conditioning is also extremely important. Usually due to pain and decreased range of motion, both walking and overall activity are reduced drastically which negatively lowers an individual's aerobic capacity. Using stationary bikes or participating in water classes are excellent non weight bearing options to keep your cardiovascular conditioning strong.

Hip Exercises Post Surgery

There are a series of exercises your physiotherapist will guide you through immediately post operation. They will guide you through an exercise program that will be safe with the goal of returning you to full function in daily activities. This program will last up to 6 to 8 weeks post operation. A lot of patients stop the exercises once they are discharged or released from the supervision of their physiotherapy. It is imperative that you continue hip strengthening exercises in a progressive format for at least one year post operation. Patients that have continued with an exercise program consistently for a full year post operation, receive amazing results in functional ability.

Goals of Hip Arthritis Exercise Program - Post Operation:

Follow the exercise program guidelines given to you by your physiotherapist for the first 6 to 8 weeks post operation. The post operation exercise program varies from the pre operation program on three aspects which include the following: range of motion stretches have to be modified to follow restrictions that protect your joint from dislocation, strength exercises will progress to weight bearing, and one leg balance exercises along with gait retraining become a priority. Post surgery, the goal of your exercise program should be to progressively advance your strength exercises, when your body is ready, from isolated muscular endurance exercises to dynamic, functional exercises. Again, the most important muscles to strengthen post operation are your gluteals. Your exercise program should also include quadricep strengthening and core stability exercises. When you are selecting exercises, it is highly advised to select unilateral or one limb exercises in order to make the strength equal across limbs.

The journey your muscles have endured from the pre surgery pain through the operation leaves them tight and contracted in a shortened position. Therefore, stretching is equally important to include in your post operation exercise program. Often the hip flexors, hamstrings, and quadriceps will be tight post operation and need to be stretched. The very exciting aspect of the post operation exercise program is that you are pain free and therefore can gradually increase your cardiovascular training time and intensity to your pre arthritic conditioned level.

When you are disciplined at consistently keeping up with your exercises and gradually progress through incremental stages of exercises, you will notice huge improvements in your cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, balance, gait, and overall functional ability. The importance of engaging in a regular, consistent exercise program both pre and post hip operation will impact your full recovery greatly. A hip exercise program is the best single action you can take to encourage a highly successful return to function post surgery.

The Facts About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is not just one condition but a group of them. Often painful, TMB affects the jaw joint, making it difficult to chew, open the mouth wide, yawn, or generally use the jaws. Pain or soreness in the frontal region of the ear, along the jaw muscle, cheek, teeth, or the temples may also accompany TMD. Sometimes, the jaws also make audible noises.

Pain or discomfort in the jaw muscles or joints are often temporary, occurring in cycles. Once the affected person stops moving the area, the pain also tends to stop. In some cases, however, TMD can develop into chronic symptoms. A doctor of chiropractic can determine whether jaw pain is due to TMD or another condition, and can provide an appropriate line of treatment.

Signs of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can include locking of the jaw or restricted jaw movement, pain in the neck, face, or shoulders, a painful grating or clicking when the mouth is opened or closed, pronounced change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together, and earaches, headaches, dizziness, swallowing difficulties, or hearing problems.

TMD Causes

• Discomfort or pain in the jaw, neck and shoulder muscles, known as myofascial pain


• A jaw dislocation or a displaced disc


• A degenerative joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis

TMD is commonly attributed to severe jaw injury. An injury during a sporting activity, or jaw overuse such as excessive gum chewing, may lead to TMD. In addition, physical and emotional stress can lead to TMD.

Formerly, the practice of sitting in a dentist's chair for a prolonged period with a wide open mouth may have contributed to TMD. Nowadays, however, dentists allow for breaks during dental work, and screen patients for jaw-structure conditions. Susceptible patients may also receive medications during the dental procedure in order to reduce any injury potential, and physical therapy following treatment may be recommended. For less serious cases, home exercises following dental procedures may be suggested.

Emotional stress may also exacerbate TMD symptoms. Although stress is not a cause of TMD, the way stress manifests in the body can have a direct effect on TMD. Patients who experience psychological stress may also clench their teeth, an activity that is directly related to TMD.

Women are four times more likely to be afflicted with TMD than men. Different factors contribute to this ratio, particularly improper posture and high-heel use. However, some other activities, such as regular gum chewing, orthodontic treatment, and non-painful clicking of the jaw, does not cause TMD.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of TMD
To diagnose TMD, your doctor of chiropractic may ask you to put three fingers in your mouth and bite down on them. You may also be asked to open and close your mouth, and chew repeatedly. At this time, the doctor will monitor your jaw joint dimensions and the balance of the muscles.

If you are easily able to perform these activities, TMD may ruled out as the cause of your symptoms. Your chiropractic doctor will then search for signs of an inflammation and/or abnormalities. Special imaging in the form of an x-ray or an MRI may also be necessary to confirm or dismiss the diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with TMD, your chiropractic doctor may suggest the employment of chiropractic manipulation, massage, heat/ice therapies and especially designed exercises. In the majority of cases, the initial aim is to alleviate the symptoms.

Assuming your chiropractic doctor determines that you require special appliances or splints to offset teeth grinding, he or she will refer you to an orthodontist or other specialist to coordinate the care of your symptoms and treatment.

Your doctor of chiropractic may also help you by:

• Applying ice or heat treatment to counter the pain. Ice is helpful to alleviate the pain, especially after the injury has occurred. In later healing stages, heat should be applied, especially in the case of recurring discomfort.


• Suggesting the avoidance of harmful joint movements, such as eating large sandwiches. Large sandwiches may cause the mouth to open too wide, and thus, destabilize the jaw.


• Recommend specific exercises. Your doctor of chiropractic may recommend strengthening or stretching exercises. Stretching exercises loosen tight muscles, whereas strengthening exercises tighten muscles. In addition, special sensors in the jaw can be retrained.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor of chiropractic will design an appropriate course of treatment for your TMD.

Joint Pain - Dogs With Arthritis

In the United States alone, about 20% of dogs are suffering from arthritis. This disease is degenerative which means that the function of structure of the affected tissues, muscles or organs can gradually deteriorate over a period of time. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent immobility. The most common symptoms of arthritis is joint pain-dogs cannot tell you if they are hurting obviously but what signals will tell you that your dog is indeed affected with this chronic condition?

The following tell tale signs are indications of the degenerative disease:

-Your dog becomes violent or aggressive. He may yelp or he can be inactive and quite withdrawn
-The ears may lie flat against his head
-You will notice that your dog often licks the affected area
-Your dog may show personality changes. A normally docile dog may become unusually aggressive
-Aside from joint pain-dogs with arthritis have decreased activity (unwillingness to walk or play) and show signs of stiffness.

Have your dog checked by a veterinarian immediately so he can prescribe proper medication. Never assume and try to give your dog whatever you think will be good for him or her. With your doctor's background about pets and arthritis and the results of physical exam, x-ray, blood test and MRI, he can specifically point of what type of arthritis your dog is suffering from.

For joint pain-dogs do not respond well to over-the-counter pain killers all the time. You need to seek your veterinarian's approval before doing so otherwise you are risking in make matters worse.

The three basic things that you can do at home to relieve your dog's pain is by giving him a massage at least twice a day, providing him with heat treatments and applying medicated oil three or 4 times a day to the affected area. Keep your dog warm to help ease the pain that comes with arthritis.

Different Forms of Tendonitis That Can Cause Pain in Joints

There are a lot of different forms of tendonitis, all of which can cause quite a bit of pain in joints as well as other complications if the condition is ignored. Tendonitis can usually be diagnosed during a regular examination at a visit to the doctor's office.

X-ray machines and MRIs are not necessary, but an x-ray may be used to make sure that there are no other injuries to the area, such as broken bones, that could be the cause of the tenderness and swelling. MRIs may be used to identify where exactly the swelling is located in order to be treated more directly.

One of the many forms of tendonitis affects the wrist, which would cause a localized pain in the joints in that area. Wrist tendonitis can also be identified as tenosynovitis, a very common condition caused by the inflammation or irritation of the tenosynovium. These are a sort of tendon sheath that allows the wrist tendons to slide and allow the tendons to move smoothly with very low friction. If the condition is left unattended, it can lead to a far more serious condition from the thickening of the tenosynovium, which can keep the tendons from moving as smoothly as they should.

Symptoms of wrist tendonitis may vary, but the most common are swelling around the tender area. There are several forms of treatment, including the use of a wrist splint, which would immobilize the joint and allow it time to heal since the tendons are not being used. Applying ice to the tender area is also an option. This will stimulate blood flow to the area to assist in healing. You may also decide on an anti-inflammatory medicine which will help ease the pain, as well as control the inflammation and give the tendons the opportunity to heal.

Achilles tendonitis affects the large tendon that runs from the back of the ankle up the back of the leg. The condition seems to be more common in middle-aged recreational athletes. If the tendonitis goes untreated, it may lead to tears which could weaken then tendon even more, and make it more susceptible to rupturing.

The most common cause of Achilles tendonitis is a lack of flexibility. Other possible causes of joint pain caused by this form of tendonitis is a change in footwear or an exercise or training routine that the individual is not used to. As people get older, they begin to lose flexibility, which makes them more susceptible to injury-this is why middle-aged people are more likely to get suffer from this condition.

An important thing to remember is that the joint pain is caused by forms of tendonitis that won't go away on their own. Though it may stop hurting for an hour, or maybe even a couple of days, if the inflammation is not taken care of and the tendons healed, the pain in joints may cause other problems on top of the tendonitis.

Dealing With Shoulder Arthritis

Q: My doctor has told me that the pain in my shoulder is due to arthritis. Is there anything that can be done about it?
 
A: Has throwing the ball with the kids become a big pain in the shoulder? As we get older our joints may deteriorate, with loss of the smooth cartilage coating of the bones in the shoulder joint, a process known as arthritis. It can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common process in the shoulder is degenerative joint disease (DJD). The shoulder is made up of two distinct joints, the large ball-and-socket Gleno-Humeral Joint (GH), where the arm meets socket of the shoulder blade, and the much smaller Acromio-Clavicular (AC) Joint, where the top part of the shoulder blade (the acromion) meets the collar bone (clavicle). Either or both joints can become damaged and painful, and X-rays will be used to detect whether arthritis is present.
 
Once the diagnosis is made, treatment generally starts with oral medications to reduce the pain and inflammation within the joints. This generally starts with medicines like Tylenol or anti-inflammatories known as NSAIDs, either over-the-counter or by prescription. Sometimes it is necessary to use a short course of stronger anti-inflammatory medicines known as steroids, such as prednisone, usually given in a precise regimen that is tapered quickly. Some patients will benefit from Physical Therapy treatments, which can help by improving the range of motion and strength in the shoulder.
 
If this approach is not successful, a patient may need to have a steroid injection in the shoulder, which can be effective by placing the anti-inflammatory material directly into the painful area. The effect may not last long, but the injection can help to confirm that the arthritic area is actually causing the shoulder pain. On the other hand, some shots will lead to long-term pain relief. We have some patients who come to the office every six months for a steroid shot and function well between visits.
 
If this approach is not working, surgery may be needed. An MRI is often obtained to rule out other shoulder damage, such as tendonitis or a rotator cuff tear, and it is also useful to gauge the full extent of the arthritis.
 
If the upper (AC) joint is the primary source of pain, and conservative measures have failed, relatively simple surgery can usually solve the problem. The AC joint pain seems to come from the deformed ends of the bones which rub together once the cartilage coating has worn away. We can remove the ends of the bones and the scar that fills the space will gradually become comfortable. At first, this was done as an open procedure, but now it is done routinely through small stab wounds using a fiber-optic tool known as an arthroscope.
 
When the ball-and-socket shoulder joint (GH) is arthritic and requires surgery, things get more complicated. As an open procedure, requiring an incision that is about six inches long, the damaged joint surfaces can be replaced by an artificial joint made of plastic and metal. This procedure has evolved over the years and is now very reliable. The recovery period will last six to twelve months and will require Physical Therapy. When a patient has fully recovered, the shoulder strength and function should be reasonably good, but patients almost always report that their pain is gone. In fact, some of our happiest patients are those who put up with severe shoulder arthritis for years and after getting a Total Shoulder Replacement could finally get a good night's sleep.
 
We have a dilemma when a patient has severe ball-and-socket shoulder arthritis along with a large rotator cuff tear. The soft tissue envelope of tendons around the shoulder is known as the Rotator Cuff, and if it is massively torn and unrepairable, a conventional shoulder replacement may not work well, because the shoulder will be weak and unstable and the components will tend to become loose and painful. Fortunately, an ingenious solution has been developed to deal with this situation. A Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty is a plastic and metal device which replaces the socket with a ball and replaces the ball with a socket, allowing most patients to regain overhead motion without an intact rotator cuff. The surgery is somewhat more complicated and there are more potential complications, but for certain patients, it is just what the doctor ordered.
 
What to do: If you have shoulder pain that lasts more than a few weeks, try gentle stretching and over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol or NSAIDs. If you cannot get relief, make plans to see your doctor. These days, most shoulder pain can be resolved. With any luck you will be able to get back to throwing in the backyard in time for spring training.

Joint Pain Remedies - Find the Best Way to Get Relief Naturally

Joint pain is affecting a large number of people because it can have many causes and it can be the result of various medical conditions. Sometimes it is a symptom of arthritis, other times is caused by bursitis, inflammation of bursa, sacs filled with fluid that are found in the joint area, and other times an injury produces pain in the joint. Treatment for pain in the joint is directly related with the condition that caused it. It is usually based on medication that reduces inflammation and that provides relief from the pain.

Self-diagnosis and self-medication is not recommended and it is always best to consult a physician. If you are not a fan of synthetic drugs, also discuss with your doctor other treatment options, like natural pain remedies. There are many herbs containing anti-inflammatory and pain relieving agents and having a similar action with that of artificial pills.

Joint pain remedies include massage with essential oils. Massage with any oil is good in cases of pain in the joint, but certain oils are known for their analgesic effect. Lavender oil, rosemary oil, chamomile oil and Rumatone Gold oil are used by most of joint pain sufferers. Warm olive oil is also one of the most effective pain remedies. Eucalyptus oil, mixed with menthol and camphor and applied on the aching joints relieves pain and diminishes swelling. Camphor is also good if it is mixed with sunflower oil.

Besides these topical pain remedies, thee are also herbal extracts, infusions or juices that can be taken for obtaining pain alleviation. The number of anti-inflammatory substances that some herbs contain is pretty amazing. One teaspoonful of turmeric added to a cup of milk provides relief from the pain, not only in what concerns joint pain, but also when it comes to other aches in different body parts. You can replace the milk with warm water, if you please, and the mixture should be consumed three times a day. Stinging nettle, boswelia, rosemary or wild yam, they are all herbs containing a few anti-inflammatory substances.

They can either be used separately, or combinations can be made, depending on what works best in your particular case. Willow is also one of the best join pain remedies. It contains, salicin, a substances used for developing the synthetic drug known as aspiring and widely used in joint pain. Sesame seeds contain significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, copper and fatty acids, all of them very important in maintaining a good condition of the joints.

Chiropractic Care For Women Offers Many Benefits

Today's modern woman has become much more knowledgeable in diet, nutrition, weight loss, exercise, sports and physical activity, and methods for maintaining wellness and general fitness - about which chiropractors have considerable expertise that they are eager to share. Chiropractic wellness programs are particularly well-suited to the special needs of pregnant women, new mothers, women who are overweight, who are in stressful situations, and others who need to protect and strengthen their bones, nerves, joints, muscles and overall health.

Millions of women rely on chiropractors because of the caring interaction that develops between patient and doctor and because of chiropractic's effective combination of expert care, effective spinal adjustments, exercise and nutritional guidance, and lifestyle counseling.

Chiropractic offers demonstrated relief for many of the specific health challenges that affect women based on their female anatomy and the fact that the female body is designed to be able to bear children. Pregnancy and the menstrual cycle are centrally important health matters for women. Being pregnant, preparing for pregnancy, and recovering from childbirth are just some of the uniquely female issues. Pain during the menstrual period (dysmenorrhea), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and chronic pelvic pain are among the distressing conditions which disrupt the otherwise healthy lives of many women.

Older women are much more likely than men to develop Alzheimer's disease (which burdens the afflicted with near-total memory loss and reduced mental functioning) and osteoporosis (in which the bones become weak, brittle, and porous; the posture stooped with the shoulders rounded). These are just two of the problems of aging that women must be aware of and can take steps to prevent.

Women may get headaches during menstrual periods and pregnancy, as well as under ordinary circumstances. Women are more likely to be bothered enough by headache pain to seek a way to overcome it. When the bones of the spine lose their normal position or motion, the sensitive nerves and blood vessels to the head become compromised. When these delicate tissues are stretched or irritated, they can produce certain types of headaches. While aspirin or other medications may cover up the symptoms, they do not really correct the cause of the headache.

Similarly, women are often victims of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) and have a 200 to 300 percent greater chance than men of suffering rheumatoid arthritis.

Because the nervous system controls and coordinates all of the different functions of your body, any disruption in nerve communication to your organs and body tissues will result in abnormal function. Chiropractors help restore normal nerve function and communication, thereby allowing your body to work normally and naturally.

The result is often a reduction in pain and inflammation, as well as prevention of further deterioration. Research has also demonstrated that arthritic changes begin in the spinal joints in as few as three days after a joint becomes fixated. Relief from pain and prevention of further deterioration are among the many "side effects" of regular chiropractic care.

Get Rid Of Joint Pain? Get 'MORE'

It is that simple. No beating around the bushes! In order to stay fit and steer clear of the possibility of joint pain you should adopt the easy to understand "MORE" concept. Every one of us wants more on everything that are deemed to be good. While this may be subjective as to what is good to oneself, we want more on everything generally. "MORE" basically refers to Massage Or Regular Exercise. You may ask the simple question why it has got to be massage or regular exercise.

The answer is a simple one too. Regular exercises help to build up and strengthen our muscle mass and skeletal bone density. Apart from maintaining a well balanced physiological system, regular exercises keep our psychological state of mind fit and healthy too.

Regular exercises bring about several benefits. It helps to increase and improve blood circulation in the body. This has the benefit of maintaining normal blood flow throughout the body. It flushes out the metabolites from the body as well. It works as a natural detoxification process to get rid of the wastes from the body.

Exercises enable us to strengthen our muscles as well as bone density. It should also improve the general mobility and cardiovascular fitness. Apart from maintaining a general level of fitness, exercises help in weight control too. We are able to achieve a general health status as well as psychological perception of a better state of being.

Well, we may be aware of the many benefits from regular exercises. On the other hand, how does this regular exercises apply to a joint pain patient who could not afford to exercise due to the pre-existing conditions or pain experienced in the joints during exercise? Certain chronic joint pain patients may not have the luxury to ponder over the lesser strenuous exercises such as swimming, cycling, yoga or tai-chi. The level of pain experienced by these chronic patients is as good as immobilized their daily activities.

Therefore massage or remedial massage therapy comes in handy. Massage has various health benefits that work in achieving certain purposes similar to exercises. First, it has the effect of improving blood circulation similar to that of exercising. The rubbing and kneading of the muscles improve blood flow as the blood vessels dilate. Massage is able to speed up the body's repair mechanism without the patients enduring the pain that could possibly experience in physical exercises.

Similarly, it has the effect of relaxing the muscles and improves mobility. This has the benefit of achieving a state of relaxation as well. Massage similarly to exercises, is able to bring about a state of physiological and psychological well-being to the chronic patients.

You can have the best of both worlds incorporating massage into regular exercises. Many professional sportsmen and sportswomen find the benefits of massage can aid in the well-being as well as in their game performances. Simple but it is sheer hard work and determination if you want to get rid of joint pain.

On Label and Off Label Uses Of Microcurrent Devices

The FDA approves electrical stimulation devices for sale in the United States for for "the symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain and as an adjunctive treatment in the management of post surgical traumatic pain problems." Manufacturers of microcurrent and other electrical stim devices are only allowed to advertise and promote their devices for these approved uses. These are what would be called "on label" uses of the devices.

Medical devices and approved pharmaceutical drugs are often used by doctors for uses not approved by the FDA. These are called "off-label" uses. A high percentage of health care and esthetic practitioners use microcurrent devices for a wide range of off label uses, including non-needle acupuncture, treatment of macular degeneration and other eye diseases, facial rejuvenation, wound healing and fracture acceleration, TMJ syndrome alleviation and even relief of many internal organ and emotional disorders. These off-label applications are used with particular frequency by acupuncturists, who are used to using stimulation through the acupuncture meridian system for treatment of a host of physical and emotional diseases.

So the question is- are you within your legal rights to use your microcurrent stimulator for these off-label uses?

The term "IRB" refers to Investigational Review Board - a lengthy procedure required for proving new medical claims:

"Does FDA require IRB review of the off-label use of a marketed device?" YES, if the off-label use is part of a research project involving human subjects. NO, if the off-label use is intended to be solely the practice of medicine, i.e., for a physician treating a patient and no research is being done. The FDA recognizes that off-label use by prescribers is often appropriate and may represent the standard of practice."

There is a provision in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that allows a practitioner to use a cleared device for an unapproved or 'off label' use." There are a number of restrictions that do apply in this case. The practitioner can only use the device "off label" in a legitimate practitioner-patient relationship. They may not advertise or promote the "off label" use of the device in their practice, and the manufacturer may not promote, advertise, or label the device for the "off label" use.

This is very clear. If you are a licensed health care practitioner whose scope of practice includes electrical stimulation, you may use a microcurrent device for any safe off-label application that you deem appropriate in the doctor-patient relationship. You are NOT legally allowed to advertise these off-label uses.

This advertising restriction only applies to advertising the electrical stim device for an off-label purpose. You can advertise treatment of any disease that you are legally allowed to treat. For acupuncturists or physicians, that is just about anything.

So what about microcurrent facial rejuvenation treatments? According to the FDA guidelines, you technically should not advertise the use of a FDA-registered microcurrent device for facial rejuvenation services, although you are free to use it with your patients. Yet the FDA does allow estheticians to advertise the use of microcurrent devices that are not FDA-registered for rejuvenation. They are the same technology! In actual practice the FDA has not bothered health care practitioners using or advertising microcurrent devices for facial rejuvenation due to these ambiguities. I have personally spoken with many FDA workers at various departments about this subject, and they all basically punt on the subject as they don't want to have to deal with it. The best opinion I could get was that it is OK to use microcurrent and light devices for rejuvenation as long as no medical claims are made for the procedure.

It would certainly be a no-no to use the word "face-lift" in any advertising, but rejuvenation, toning, revitalizing and similar words are perfectly OK.

For more information about microcurrent and light therapies visit http://www.eastwestseminars.com or call 1-888-803-7397

A Fitness Rowing Machine For Joint Health

Many people who use equipment to exercise and stay fit have all reported getting great results while using a fitness rowing machine. The stationary rower is great in that it simulates a real rowing experience. Some even have water sounds that make the work out seem more like the real thing. For those that would prefer to be out on the water this feature an asset. Rowing is one of the safest and best ways to become fit, or stay fit.

When one rows they are exercising many muscle groups at one time, with no strain on the joints. For those that are older or have problems with their joints, using a fitness rowing machine provides them the low impact work out that they need. Exercising and working out can be very hard on the body, so using equipment that is low impact seems to make working out less like work. Some people that are very limited due to disability find that a fitness rower is a great way to get exercise in your home without hurting themselves in the long run.

There are many companies that make these rowers, and as usual, some are better than others; but all have one goal in mind and that is to provide a low impact but effective method of working out. Some machines can be bought in brick and mortar stores, however they can also be ordered online through retailers. There are many different types of rowers to choose from whether it's an air rower or the type that simulates the real deal. To advise on a couple of the most popular there is the Fitness Quest Integrity 3000 Air Rower, and the Stamina 1205 Precision rower. These fitness rower machine brands seem to get good reviews from those that have bought them.

There are many other brands to choose from, however when deciding on which one it is advisable to be a consumer conscience person by researching each brand and model that is of interest to avoid buying one that may not be suitable down the road for whatever reason. Those that are lacking space need to concentrate on buying a fitness rowing machine that can be easily stored or left out without taking up too much precious room space. No matter the choice of rowing machine, making the decision to buy one is the first step to a lifetime of fitness.

If You Are Suffering From Joint Pain and Allergic to Shellfish, Glucosamine May Be Deadly

Pain is a common side effect of growing old. You become more sedentary, and your ligaments, tendons and muscles begin to be less forgiving and cartilage begins to erode due to normal wear and tear or age related disease.Many people who suffer from joint pain use glucosamine as a popular supplement, but proper research should be followed on the products you are considering.

Knees, elbows, ankles and wrists can all become affected by joint pain and tenderness just by doing daily activities. Stiffness and related symptoms become more commonplace as you begin to feel old age creeping up.

To combat this, many are turning to technology and medical supplements to help deal with this daily issue. Glucosamine is one such product people turn to help them deal with joint related problems. Glucosamine is part of the normal make up of cartilage, which is tissue that exists between your joints. Cartilage is a thick substance that provides a protective buffer between working joints like wrists and knees.

Some glucosamine products can come from the exteriors of shell fish which can be very dangerous to those who suffer from shellfish allergies. Without even knowing it, an allergic reaction can be triggered by taking a supplement to assist in joint health. Proper care should always be taken when looking for new products and a physician should always be consulted to ensure products and effects are safe.

In summary, glucosamine for joint pain is a popular over the counter treatment, but care should be taken in selecting the right product for your health and wellness program. Exercise and diet should be the first areas to be addressed as part of your intent to become more healthy and pain free.

How Joint Injections Help Athletes

Joint injections are common procedures in medicine where medications are injected into the joint space. This procedure is uncommon in younger athletes, due to their normal and healthy joint functions. However, this is one of the most reliable methods of managing degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis in many older athletes.

Benefits of joint injections

The procedure is given to treat inflammatory joint issues such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, psoriatic arthritis, bursitis and sometimes osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids are used for this medical procedure because of its anti-inflammatory capability as well as its ability to slow down the build-up of cells which causes the inflammation in the joint space. If present, joint fluid will be aspirated or removed prior to joint injection. This also eases the pain and swelling of the join and helps in the diagnosis of joint pathology.

While corticosteroids may successfully relieve osteoarthritis, the mode of action as to whether this will aggravate or alleviate the issue is unclear. In many knee-joint injection procedures, Hyanluronic acid, a viscous lubricating substance, is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

What Comprises Joint Injection Medications

The anti-inflammatory medication corticosteroid is mostly utilized in this procedure. Cortisone is a kind of steroid that it naturally produced by the body and released when you are under stress. Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and it's a close derivative of the natural cortisone. Unlike natural cortisone, corticosteroids are injected to specific inflamed areas instead of being released into the bloodstream. This synthetic cortisone is also more potent and provides relief for a long period of time.

Apart from synthetic cortisone, a lubricant such as hyaluronic acid injections works to lessen the inflammation and lubricate the affected joint. It helps the joint lining to produce substances to feed the joint cartilage. This actually helps in early arthritis can is effective up to 6 months. Patients are given joint injections once a week for the next three to five weeks and this process maybe repeated after six months if needed.

Which joints are injected?

The most commonly injected joints are the ankle, knee, shoulders, elbows, wrists as well as the small joints of the hands and feet. You may need an x-ray called fluoroscopy to guide hip-joint injections.

Unlike oral steroids which are mostly abused and misused by athletes, joint injections using corticosteroids can lessen healing time and help lessen pain and inflammation. This procedure is mainly used to treat inflammation of the joints in sports injuries and aging athletes with their arthritis. Despite its many benefits, injection and these steroids also have corresponding side effects depending on the amount and location of the joint injection as well as the condition of the patient.

Introduction to Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for Joint and Back Pain

Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a new and innovative treatment that naturally heals injured joints and tissue by using the body's own healing process. PRP therapy can be used in patients suffering from joint and knee pain, lower back pain, rotator cuff tears and other orthopedic type injuries. Many clinical studies have shown the benefit from using platelet rich plasma for the non-surgical treatment of these conditions.

Joint pain, particularly in the knees and shoulders as well as back pain constitute the large majority of patients who present to their doctor's office with a complaint of pain. Many of these patients proceed to have surgery, all too often with less than optimal outcomes. Many of these patients still have the same pain they had prior to surgery, or worse, more pain. They are in chronic pain and are frustrated that no one can help them. They are amazed that surgery did not fix them. Platelet rich plasma therapy offers these patients with joint and back pain relief by healing damaged knee or shoulder joint tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Patients with back pain benefit by PRP repairing damaged ligaments and muscles.

Patients with persistent back pain frequently feel that surgery was the only option that they have. Unfortunately all too many patients fall into the trap that surgery is the only answer to their pain problem and were convinced that surgery would "cure" their pain. The most unfortunate thing is that surgery was most likely not appropriate for them in the first place. Surgery will, more frequently than not, fail to relieve spine pain. That is because in the majority of the time, back and neck pain are not due to a spinal problem. The problem most likely due to soft tissue pain: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (the cover tissue of muscles).

Platelet rich plasma offers patients an effective therapy to relieve their pain without surgery or narcotics. This incredible therapy was never taught in medical school. Basically platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) uses your body's own natural healing process to repair damage tissues.

To make PRP, two ounces of your own blood is taken and processed to extract out PRP. In whole blood, PRP is only one percent volume of the blood. With platelet rich plasma processing, we can concentrate platelets by 500-600%. This concentrated platelet rich plasma can then be injected directly into the area with damaged tissue. This may be in the knee or shoulder joint, lower back, neck or into injured tendons or ligaments.

In patients who have bone fractures, PRP dramatically accelerates bone healing and pain relief. Platelet rich plasma therapy is a remarkable treatment. It clearly helps patient to avoid surgery, has no recovery time and uses the body's own healing mechanism to get natural, stronger healing.

This therapy has been widely used by pro athletes, including players in the NFL such as Super Bowl player Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Major League Baseball superstar and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has received PRP therapy. Perhaps most famously, pro golfer Tiger Woods received this therapy for his knee pain.

Causes of Elbow Joint Pain

There can be a number of conditions and diseases which can cause pain to the elbow joint. Most people associate chronic joint pain with arthritis, but you should always consult your doctor to determine the cause of elbow joint pain. One of the more common causes is bursitis-a painful disease that affects many people each year. Trauma and overuse can leads to bursitis.

What Is Bursitis?

A bursa is a small sac filled with fluid. When functioning normally, the bursa releases fluid which lubricates the joints and allows them to glide smoothly. When the bursa is injured, the sac no longer releases the fluid and your joints begin to rub against each other, causing friction and pain.

Elbow Joint Pain

Although you cannot feel it, the elbow bursa is located behind your elbow, over the pointed tip. Bursitis to the elbow is referred to as olecranon (oh-LEK-rah-non) bursitis. This is normally a result of repetitive movement or prolonged, excessive pressure to the area. People who perform repetitive activities, such as tennis players or construction workers, commonly develop this condition.

High Risk Factors

There are a number of medical conditions which place people at higher risk for bursitis:

* Diabetes
* Alcoholism
* Steroid therapy
* Trauma
* Uremia
* Skin disease

How to Treat Bursitis

There are several treatments for bursitis pain, ranging from rest to surgery. Treating physicians normally start with conservative therapy and move on to more aggressive treatment if necessary.

R.I.C.E. Therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation is the most common treatment for bursitis pain. Depending on the severity of your elbow joint pain, this may or may not be successful.

Steroids: Your medical doctor can prescribe medications to reduce the pain and swelling. Corticosteroids, which can be injected directly into the affected site, are widely recommended because they attack the problem and relieve the symptoms more quickly.

Joint Therapy/Exercises: Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or a home exercise program to strengthen the muscles. They may offer a corticosteroid injection with therapy, which in many cases offers immediate relief.

Medications:

NSAIDs-Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen may be helpful in relieving bursitis pain.

Antibiotics-In cases of infectious or septic bursitis, fluid is usually collected for lab analysis and antibiotics are required. Depending on the severity of your condition, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

Alternative Medicine-There are a number of all-natural supplements on the market, such as Celadrin, which are known to promote joint health and have seen excellent clinical results.

Invasive Treatments:

In some cases, the bursa fluid may have to be aspirated or removed with a needle and syringe. The fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. In severe or repeated cases of bursitis, surgical drainage and removal of the infected bursa (bursectomy) may be required. In most cases, the joint functions normally after the procedure.

Once you know the causes of your chronic joint pain, the good news is that it can be treated. The first step is getting the proper diagnosis from your physician.

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry

The primary element which sets neuromuscular dentistry apart from traditional dentistry is that neuromuscular dentistry considers the nerves and muscles and the correct positioning of the jaw, whereas traditional dentistry focuses on just the teeth and joints.

The result is a more complete approach which can resolve painful conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders and provide more comfortable and longer lasting solutions to other dental needs such as dentures and smile makeovers.

Your teeth, joints, muscles, and nerves all work together in the proper alignment and functioning of the jaw. When any part of this equation is overlooked painful conditions such as TMJ and serious dental problems can develop. Neuromuscular dentistry utilizes modern technology to precisely determine the proper positioning of the jaw.

· Electromyography
Electromyography measures the electrical activity in the jaw muscles and the jaw-to-skull relationship. This determines muscle tension when the jaw is in motion and in a relaxed position.

· Computerized Mandibular Scan
The mandibular scan precisely tracks all of the motions of the jaw and the position of the jaw at rest.

· Sonography
Sonography records all of the sounds of the jaw while it moves. Clicks, pops, scraping, and grinding all are sounds of misalignment (malocclusion).

TMJ/TMD
The most life-changing effect of neuromuscular dentistry is its ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat TMJ/TMD. A misaligned jaw has far reaching ramifications that can present themselves as painful and debilitating symptoms which seem to have no relationship to dental problems. TMJ/TMD symptoms include:

· Headaches (often misdiagnosed as migraines)

· Shoulder, neck, or back pain

· Numbness in arms and fingers

· Facial pain

· Jaw pain

· Clicking or popping jaw

· Clenching or grinding teeth

· Ringing ears (tinnitus)

· Congested ears

In the treatment of TMJ/TMD a neuromuscular dentist will use transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS). This treatment acts like a massage, relaxing the muscles, stopping spasms, and relieving pain.

Smile Makeover
A smile makeover addresses all aspects of your smile including your teeth and gums, and should include proper jaw alignment. Neuromuscular dentistry ensures that a smile makeover is complete and achieves not only the optimum functional dental benefits, but the cosmetic benefits as well. When your teeth and jaws work together properly, the muscles are relaxed and the effect can take years off of your appearance. A misaligned bite can lead to future damage, including chipped and broken teeth, quickly diminishing the results of a smile makeover and requiring unnecessary painful and costly dental work.

Dentures
Traditional dentistry relies on impressions to create dentures. Using impressions alone can lead to subtle imperfections and does not create a precise bite alignment. Neuromuscular dentistry eliminates many of the problems commonly associated with dentures including difficulty chewing and speaking, and can extend the length of time that the dentures will fit properly before they must be replaced.

Neuromuscular dentistry is a more advanced, effective, and complete approach to dental treatment than traditional dentistry. TMJ/TMD treatment can quickly relieve life-long pain. In general dentistry procedures the results are more accurate and long-lasting. When applied to cosmetic dentistry a more beautiful look can be achieved.

Prolotherapy: Possible Treatment for Unresolved Back Pain

Prolotherapy is a treatment that offers hope to those who feel they've tried everything to relieve back pain. If you suffer from sciatica, sacroiliac joint dysfunction or lumbosacral joint pain, you may be helped by prolotherapy.

Joint pain is often caused by damage to the ligaments that support the joint. Ligaments are connective tissues that band bone to bone in a joint, providing for strength and structural integrity. If a ligament is strained, torn or otherwise injured, its healing time will be slow and it will become weak. This is due to the fact that ligaments receive a very low blood supply. The same is true for tendons, which band muscles to bones.

If the ligaments that support spinal joints or the sacroiliac joint grow weak, they fail to support the joint. This results in abnormal range of motion. In the sacroiliac joint, this results in pelvic instability, localized and referred pain, and sometimes sciatica. In the spine, hypermobile joints can lead to disc herniation, which causes back pain, spinal instability and sometimes sciatica.

Often, the possibility that ligament damage is causing other phenomena like sciatica or disc problems goes overlooked, and so all attempts to resolve back pain fail. The low blood supply to ligaments means that they may never get back to being as strong as they once were. Prolotherapy claims to have an answer to that problem.

This form of treatment involves injecting a solution where the ligament in question meets the bone. The solution is often simple sugar water combined with an anesthetic; other irritants and additives are available. The introduction of a foreign substance sparks the inflammatory response. The body sends inflammatory materials to the injected area, meaning that blood flow is increased.

Inflammation is something we generally try to avoid; the swelling is painful and can actually cause more harm than good if it is chronic. But the inflammatory response is part of the immune system. Its goal is to 1) block perceived threats off from other parts of the body and 2) facilitate healing of the injured area. When it comes to ligaments and tendons, inflammation is needed to increase blood flow to the normally avascular areas. Blood brings with it nutrients and oxygen to rebuild damaged tissue. The "prolo" in prolotherapy stands for the proliferation of new connective tissue.

A local anesthetic makes the injection relatively painless. The inflammation caused by prolotherapy can cause temporary discomfort in the area, but the inflammation caused is generally controlled and does not last long. Most patients need 3 to 10 sessions to build enough tissue to restore ligament and tendon strength.

The downside of prolotherapy is that it is generally not covered by insurance - yet. The criteria for valid scientific study are rigid and have not yet been met by studies of prolotherapy. There is, however, substantial experiential evidence to support the treatment's efficacy. See http://www.dailystrength.org/treatments/Prolotherapy to read what recipients of prolotherapy have to say about it. Each session can cost $250 or more, depending on the joint that needs healing and the specialist you see. While the cost adds up over 10 sessions, it still pales in comparison to that of surgery.

If you think you've tried everything to heal back pain, remember that the field of treatment is vast. Educate yourself on all of your options for back pain management. Prolotherapy may be the overlooked form of treatment that can resolve the source of your back pain.

Physical Therapy and Exercise For Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that can cause stiffness, pain and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some forms of arthritis may affect other parts of the body, including various internal organs. There are many different types of arthritis including osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), rheumatoid arthritis psoriatic arthritis gouty arthritis and septic arthritis Arthritis can affect anyone at any age. Arthritis treatment often includes physical therapy and exercise. Physical therapy and exercise can help arthritis sufferers in many ways. The primary goal is to improve functional capacity to help reduce pain and fatigue associated with daily activities. Increasing the range of motion of a joint is the primary focus of physical therapy.

Physical therapy and exercise for arthritis focuses on pain relief, and in restoring function and movement. Physical therapy programs may provide therapeutic methods, including physical techniques and activity modifications. A physical therapy program consisting of manual therapy and exercise benefits patients with arthritis.

Gentle exercise helps to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Lifting weights is a beneficial exercise for arthritis and for joint support. Physical therapy and exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints, and increases flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance.

Some of the exercises prescribed for people with arthritis:

o Range-of-motion exercises (stretching or flexibility exercises)
o Strengthening exercises
o Water exercises
o Recreational exercises
o Endurance or aerobic exercises

Physical therapy and exercise helps to:

o Maintain normal joint movement
o Strengthen muscles around the joints
o Strengthen and maintain bone and cartilage tissue
o Improve overall ability to do everyday activities
o Maintain weight to reduce pressure on joints
o Keep bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy

Depending on the severity of arthritis, a physical therapist may suggest either isometric or isotonic exercises. A combination of manual physical therapy and exercise is more effective to reduce pain, dysfunction and stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Glucosamine Supplements

Glucosamine, a molecule that contains both sugar and protein, is produced naturally by the human body. It is primarily found in joint cartilages and plays an important role in keeping the joints healthy and supple. The natural production of glucosamine reduces as the person ages and this causes pain in the joints. This leads to a condition known as arthritis. Those suffering from arthritis are administered glucosamine supplements to alleviate their pain.

The principle behind using glucosamine supplements is that the glucosamine is delivered to the joints and integrated into the proteoglycans present in the joint cartilage in order to repair the damage.

Glucosamine supplements are either plant based or animal based. A well-known example of a plant-based supplement is glucosamine hydrochloride. It is prepared from the plant Aspergillus Niger. On the other hand, glucosamine sulfate is animal based. Animal based supplements are generally extracted from bovine cartilage or chitin, the hard outer shell of crab, shrimp and lobsters. Chondroitin, another supplement of glucosamine is prepared from the cartilage of shark and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methanol) is a bitter tasting natural substance.

Studies conducted on glucosamine found that glucosamine supplements when augmented with chondroitin are very helpful in mitigating the pain of people suffering from moderate to severe osteoarthritis. After taking these supplements people reported to have less pain, less stiffness and better functioning joints. However, taking glucosamine supplements and chondroitin supplements separately was found to be ineffective in addressing the pain.

Taking glucosamine with MSM as a combination showed increased effectiveness in reducing pain. It also exhibited a powerful anti-inflammatory effect in the people suffering from arthritis.

All these supplements may cause mild side effects like constipation, diarrhea and nausea. Moreover these supplements are very expensive. A month's supply may cost well over $100. As a preventive measure, regular intake of calcium that is present in dairy products and green and leafy vegetables, from a young age keeps bones strong and healthy and reduces the risk of arthritis.

Audio-Visual Entrainment, History and Physiological Mechanisms

History

Clinical reports of flicker stimulation appear as far back as the dawn of modern medicine. It was at the turn of the 20th century when Pierre Janet, at the Salpêtrière Hospital in France, reported that when he had his patients gaze into the flickering light produced from a spinning spoked wheel in front of a kerosene lantern, it lowered their depression, tension and hysteria (34). Then, in 1934, Adrian and Matthews published their results showing that the alpha rhythm could be "driven" above and below the natural frequency with photic stimulation (1).

This discovery further propagated dozens of small physiological outcome studies on the "flicker following response" by many well respected researchers (4,5,11,20,18,22,43). However no one considered the subjective and behavioral effects of photic stimulation. Finally in 1956, W. Gray Walter published the results on thousands of test subjects comparing flicker stimulation with the subjective emotional feelings it produced (46).

Meanwhile, William Kroger accomplished other important developments in photic stimulation. Kroger was a physician investigating why radar operators were going into trances in front of their radar sets and of course, leaving the ship or plane at great risk to the enemy. He concluded that the rhythmic "blip" of the radar was "pulling" the radar operators into a trance state. These findings compelled Kroger to team up with Sydney Schneider of the Schneider Instrument Company of Ohio to construct and market the first electronic clinical photic stimulator, called the "Brainwave Synchronizer." It comprised of an intense xenon strobe light complete with a rotating dial that could be set to the frequencies of the standard four brain wave rhythms. They found the Brainwave Synchronizer had powerful hypnotic qualities and soon published a study on hypnotic induction (24). They also prompted other studies involving hypnotic induction in surgery and dentistry, and studies of general interest to the hypnosis profession (38, 31, 29).

In 1981, my wife, Nancy, and I incorporated Comptronic Devices Limited, with a focus on designing TENS units and EMG feedback devices for dental (TMJ) applications. In 1984, I designed the "Digital Audio-Visual Integration Device" (DAVID1), used for hypnotic induction and to calm anxiety in performing arts students at the University of Alberta. The "light and sound" (L&S) market at this time was in its infancy and resided primarily within the new age sector. There was little "known" research to support L&S technology, and professionals by and large showed disinterest. Due mainly to poorly designed L&S products and a lack of research, about 40 L&S companies have come and gone, most of them during the 1980s and 1990s. However, since the time of Adrian and Matthews, a considerable number of studies have verified photic and auditory "driving" of the EEG. I have since re-named this phenomenon as "audio-visual entrainment" or AVE, as any given frequency of stimulation that is reflected in brain wave activity and observable on an EEG or QEEG can be entrained. Many more studies on photic or combined audio/photic stimulation exist than pure audio stimulation studies, however audio-only stimulation studies have confirmed audio entrainment (8) and its effect on calming masseter muscle tension (30).

Physiology of Audio-Visual Entrainment

In order for entrainment to occur, a constant, repetitive stimuli of sufficient strength to "excite" the thalamus must be present. The thalamus then passes the stimuli onto the sensory-motor strip, the cortex in general and associated processing areas such as the visual and auditory cortexes. Figure 1 shows the visual pathway with the retina of both eyes becoming excited and sending pulses down the optic nerve, through the optic chiasm, and into the lateral geniculate of both thalami. From here, the visual signals are passed onto the visual and cerebral cortexes for further processing. Notice that there is very little delay from the onset of the flash to the response in the optic nerve, but a delay of approximately 100 msec occurs by the time the visual evoked potential (VEP) is elicited in the visual cortex. This delay may be why entrainment occurs best at the natural alpha frequency -- as 100 msec equates to 10 Hz.

Figure 1. The EEG Photic Stimulation Path

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Photic entrainment begins its process as a series of overlapping evoked potentials (23). Kinney broke down a simple VEP into its various components (Figure 2) representing the passage of time for 4, 8, 12 and 20 Hz. As can be seen, much of the VEP occurs within 250 msec, correlating to four Hz. The various overlapping parts were then vector summed into the mathematical VEP and compared with the actual VEPs observed by EEG at the higher, entrained frequencies, shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. EEG Wavelet

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When this mathematical model was compared with the actual observed EEG of the entrained stimuli (Figure 3), a high degree of predictability was observed, demonstrating that photic entrainment is indeed a vector summation of VEPs and not a novel neuronal process.

Figure 3. EEG VEPs - Vector Addition (theoretical) Model vs Observed EEG

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By definition, entrainment occurs when an EEG reflects the brain wave frequency duplicating that of the stimuli, be it audio, visual or tactile (41). Entrainment occurs best near one's own natural alpha frequency (43, 23). LEDs and xenon strobe lights contain much harmonic content due to the "squareness" or rapid turn-on and turn-off transitions of the stimuli and these harmonics are reflected within the EEG. Figure 4 shows a strong and pure entrainment at 12 Hz. The harmonics (small wavelets) seen in the EEG are a reflection of the actual harmonics contained within the stimulus. Square wave stimulation is associated with an increased risk of seizure (21, 37). The only way to produce entrainment without harmonics is via sine wave stimulation in which the stimuli turn on and turn off in slow, gentle transitions and do not contain harmonics. (45, 44, 35, 41).

Figure 4. EEG Showing Photic Entrainment

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AVE at 18.5 Hz has also been shown to produce dramatic increases in EEG amplitude at the vertex (14), where it was found that:

a) eyes-closed 18.5 Hz. photic entrainment increased 18.5 Hz EEG activity by 49%.

b) eyes-open auditory entrainment produced increased 18.5 Hz. EEG activity by 27%.

c) eyes-closed auditory entrainment produced increased 18.5 Hz EEG activity by 21%.

d) eyes-closed AVE produced increased 18.5 Hz. EEG activity by 38.3%.

Entrainment primarily shows itself frontally and near the vertex (41). Figure 5 is a QEEG, or "brainmap" from the SKIL (Sterman-Kaiser Imaging Labs) database, in 1Hz bins showing the frequency distribution of AVE at 7.8 Hz. The area within the circle at 8Hz shows maximal effects of AVE in central, frontal and parietal regions (at 10uv in this case) as referenced with the oval area on the legend. It is through these effects that AVE has proven effective in treating depression, anxiety and attentional disorders. A harmonic is also present at 16 Hz. (the circled image), which is typical of semi-sine wave (part sine/part square wave) stimulation.

Figure 5. Brain Map in 1Hz Bins -- During 7.8 Hz AVE (SKIL-Eyes Closed)

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Body/Mind Effects of Audio-Visual Entrainment

We conceptualize AVE as achieving its effects through several mechanisms at once (40). These include:

1) dissociation / hypnotic induction,

2) increased neurotransmitters,

3) possible increased dendritic growth,

4) altered cerebral blood flow, and

5) normalized EEG activity.

Dissociation

Dissociation is described as a process where feelings, memories and physical sensations are kept apart from other information that would normally be logically associated. In pathological terms, dissociation is a maladaptive disruption in integrated functioning typically associated with depersonalization, stress, identity, amnesia and depersonalization disorders (7).

On the other hand, dissociation occurs when we meditate, exercise, read a good book, take in a movie or enjoy a sporting event, because we get drawn into the present moment and dissociate from all of our daily hassles, worries, anxieties and the resulting unhealthy mental chatter. Several techniques such as dot staring and stimulus depression have been shown to induce dissociation (26). Audio dissociation analgesia using white noise has been shown to effectively increase pain threshold and pain tolerance during a dental procedure (33).

Regardless of the activity, this type of dissociation reduces our weekly stress load, whether we are aware of it or not. In essence, when we focus on something, we dissociate from other things. The saying, "a change is as good as a rest," has much more truth to it than initially meets the eye (40).

The first study on dissociation induced via entrainment involved hypnotic induction and found that photic stimulation at alpha frequencies could easily put subjects into hypnotic trances (24, 29). Figure 6 shows the results of Kroger and Schneider's study in which nearly 80% of the participants in the study were in a hypnotic trance within six minutes of photic entrainment.

Figure 6. Photic Stimulation Induction of Hypnotic Trance (24)

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Psychologists have been looking for ways to dissociate their clients as a part of fear and phobia treatment. Inducing dissociation using AVE delivered by the DAVID1 was found to be more effective than dot staring or stimulus deprivation (26) as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. AVE Induced Dissociation (26)

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Furthermore, Leonard completed a second study with people who experience dissociative anxiety (27). People with dissociative anxiety feel a need to have a sense of control in their lives and become anxious or panicky when they dissociate, be it driving home, at the office, or in a clinical setting. The Acute Dissociation Inventory (ADI) is a 35-item self-report scale (26). It assesses dissociative sensations (ADI-Dissoc) and subjective anxiety, or dissociative anxiety in response to dissociative provocation (ADI-Anx). Leonard and her colleagues clinically dissociated people who become anxious when dissociating, by using a DAVID Paradise HemistepTM alpha session. As expected, the participants' anxiety (ADI-Anx) had almost doubled by the end of the AVE session. The surprise, however, was that their heart rate actually decreased, contrary to normal anxiety reactions (Figure 8). With the ability to clinically dissociate these people, yet simultaneously calm them down somatically, AVE can be used as a desensitization tool for reducing dissociative anxiety.

Figure 8. Dissociative Anxiety and Somatic Arousal (27)

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A dissociative mindstate or hypnotic trance may be described in terms of an altered state of consciousness (ASC) in which the subject (or an independent observer of the subject) observes a qualitative shift in the normal pattern of mental functioning (16). ASCs produced via overstimulation also occur when a person is bombarded with higher than normal levels of sensory input, usually in more than one sensory modality (19, 28, 17). Glicksohn studied photic entrainment and the ASCs produced. He monitored the EEGs of subjects during photic entrainment. They all described a wide variety of reactions to the stimulation with some reporting incredible imagery consisting of items they had seen before in their lives, intertwined with geometrical patterns while others reported no visual changes at all. At the end of the study, Glicksohn concluded that:

1) It is the increase in alpha activity created by photic driving, and not the natural alpha activity itself, that is conducive to an ASC.

2) The appearance of visual imagery is neither necessary nor all that is involved to indicate the experience of an ASC.

3) If a photic driving response is not elicited, the subject will not experience an ASC.

Glicksohn's observations support the concept that in order for AVE to occur, the stimulating frequency must have a direct impact on brain wave frequency and be observable on an EEG.
Dissociation and Restabilization

Dissociating clients with trauma histories, during the course of treatment is important. The state of mind that a person has at any given moment is made up of the brainwave activity associated with apprehension, anxiety, physical tension (proprioceptive/afferent associations), destructive thoughts, and conditioned responses relating to the colors, smells, sounds, etc. Once the mind is clear, all of these tensions, conditioned responses (bracing habits), fearful thoughts and the effects of afferance (sensory information) subside, allowing the mind and brain to relax, become more malleable and open to new healthy thoughts, post-hypnotic suggestions, brainwave activity and so on. During AVE, the EMG and electro-dermal responses fall, finger temperature increases and breathing becomes smooth and diaphragmatic. These changes reflect a return to homeostasis or restabilization, hence the term dissociation and restabilization (DAR) (40).

Figure 9 shows a typical reduction in forearm EMG and Figure 10 shows a typical increase in finger temperature. Notice that restabilization begins after about six minutes of AVE, when the user begins dissociating. Figure 11 shows normalization of breathing and heart rate variability following exposure to AVE at 7.8 Hz.

Figure 9. Forearm EMG Levels During AVE (Hawes, 2000)

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Figure 10. Peripheral Temperature Levels During AVE (Hawes, 2000)

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Neurotransmitters

There is evidence that blood serum levels of serotonin, endorphine, and melatonin rise considerably following 10 Hz., white-light AVE (42). Increases in endorphines reflect increased relaxation while increased norepinephrine along with a reduction in daytime levels of melatonin, indicate increased alertness (Figure 11).

Figure 11. Neurotransmitter Levels Following AVE (42)

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Dendritic Growth

There is evidence that stimulating neurons with mild electrical stimulation promotes growth of dendrites and dendritic shaft synapses in the cells being stimulated (6, 25). However, studies do not yet exist on the influence of AVE on dendritic growth, although it is suspected because many people with autism, palsy, stroke and aneurysm (36) have gained significant motor and cognitive function following a treatment program of AVE.

Cerebral Blood Flow

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is essential for good mental health and function. SPECT and FMRI imaging of CBF show that hypoperfusion of CBF is associated with many forms of mental disorders. CBF increases dramatically during AVE (12, 39). Figure 18 shows an increase of 28% in cerebral blood flow within the striate cortex, a primary visual processing area within the occiput. As an interesting note, maximal CBF occurs at 7.8 Hz, the Schumann Resonance of the earth.

Figure 12. Cerebral Blood Flow at Various AVE Repetition Rates (12)

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Following Fox and Raichle's study was a whole head PET analysis of visual entrainment at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and14 Hz (32). This study on 19 healthy, elderly (mean age=64 years) subjects found that regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was activated differentially with the:

1) left anterior cingulate showing maximal increases in rCBF at 4 Hz.

2) right anterior cingulate showing decreases in rCBF with frequency.

3) left middle temporal gyrus showing increases in rCFB at 1 Hz.

4) striate cortex showing maximal rCBF at 7 Hz.

5) lateral and inferior visual association areas showing increases in rCBF with frequency.

While there may be benefits to increasing occipital CBF, there is even greater concern regarding conditions involving hypoperfuson of CBF in frontal regions. Frontal disorders include: anxiety, depression, attentional and behavior disorders, and impaired cognitive function (2). Figure 13 shows an increase in frontal CBF recorded on Hershel Toomin's "Thinking Cap" (or "Hemoencephalogram") using infra-red light to measure perfusion of CBF. Notice that CBF at FPZ increases by 15% in 10 minutes (Toomin, personal communication).

Figure 13 Hemoencephalographic Measure of Cerebral Blood Flow During 10 Hz AVE

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Normalized EEG Activity

Figure 14 shows a fairly typical brain map in 1 Hz bins of a person with mild depression and anxiety as shown on the Skil database. Notice that alpha is slowed and approaching +2SD from the norm and that some beta frequencies (16-18 Hz) are high (>1SD) in central frontal areas.

Figure 14. Brain Map in 1 Hz Bins of Individual with Depression and Anxiety (SKIL-Eyes Open)

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Following an AVE session of 7.8 Hz., both alpha and beta activity are normalized as shown below in Figure 15.

Figure 15. Brain Map Following 7.8 Hz AVE (SKIL-EO)

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Conclusion

In closing, AVE has the ability to quickly and effectively relax people out of high sympathetic activation and traumatic states of mind, bringing a return to homeostasis. AVE may be used alongside hypnotic suggestions on tape/CD or live via a microphone. At the same time however, AVE exerts a powerful influence on brain/mind stabilization and normalization. At the end of an AVE session, the user may realize that he/she has not felt so relaxed for years -- perhaps not since childhood.

Footnote:

1. For more information, address all correspondence to:

David Siever, c/o Mind Alive Inc., 9008 - 51 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6E 5X4
Toll Free: (800) 661-6463 Fax: (780) 461-9551 Web: http://www.mindalive.com
Email: info@mindalive.com

Mind Alive Inc., 9008 - 51 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6E 5X4 http://www.mindalive.com

Copyright 2006. Reproduction of this material is allowed as long as it is unaltered and complete with Mind Alive contact information. Reproduction for marketing purposes is prohibited without permission from Mind Alive Inc.

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Can a Chiropractor Fix a TMJ Disorder?

Yes, a chiropractor can fix TMJ, according to many studies and reports that confirm this to be true. In fact, a chropractor will often provide significant relief and even a cure for TMJ symptoms.

A chiropractor will not only be better able to diagnose the problem that is causing TMJ pain, but he will also be able to give more direct relief and provide non-invasive and all natural treatments as well that have little or no side effects.

TMJ treatments that involve chiropractic treatment usually work by correcting any misalignments which may exist in the jaw, face, head, or neck bones. These misalignments may be contributing to the TMJ disorder, so a series of adjustments or manipulations that realign the bones. If done correctly, the procedure will be painless, quick, and should provide relief almost immediately.

In some cases, this treatment may be necessary to treat TMJ, as the only way re-correct the bones is through a series of adjustments and manipulations; massage and exercise do not necessarily realign the bones on their own.

The chiropractor may be best suited to fix TMJ cases that are caused by accidents to the jaw, face, and neck area that have pushed any of these bones out of place and subsequently caused the tmj, chronic spinal and neck problems (including bad posture and poor sleeping positions) that have contributed to the jaw bones becoming misaligned, or overall blunt trauma to the head, face, or neck region that have created misalignments. The chiropractor as a whole will not focus specifically on or directly treat any causes of TMJ that are dental in nature (such as a bad bite, teeth grinding, missing teeth, etc.); rather he will focus on the neck, jaw, and cranial bones as well as the spine to treat the TMJ.

Other treatments which may be offered by the chiropractor to fix tmj are massage therapy to treat weak muscles that have been affected by the misalignments, specific exercises to rehabilitate the jaw area that are often more effective, dietary and nutritional advice, and other natural and alternative treatments that are non-invasive and have no side effects.

Overall, a chiropractor is greatly preferred over a surgeon or other specialist to fix TMJ, as the surgeries and other invasive procedures which they will recommend are often very invasive, have a high risk of permanent damage, and are overall unnecessary for this particular disorder. But remember, as with any medical condition, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor in order to determine the best treatment option for your needs.

Want TMJ Relief? Check the Pros and Cons of Treatments For TMJ

There are many types of treatments for TMJ related pain. Three common treatments offered in an attempt to provide TMJ relief are medications, chiropractic help and dental treatment from someone known as a TMJ dentist. There are advantages and disadvantages with all options.

Treatments for TMJ Relief - Medications

Many people reach for pain relievers at the first sign of pain. While this is often one of the fastest methods to get relief from pain it is not a good idea to rely on pain medications for many cases of long term pain. This would certainly include those who suffer with TMJ pain.

The reason is that many types of pain are due to a structural or physical problem. TMJ related pain is no exception. With a TMJ disorder the jaw or bite of a person is out of alignment. This causes the muscles, ligaments and nerves that are attached to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) in one way or another to become strained and then inflamed.

Pain is the result of this physical problem. Chemicals such as those included in medications simply can not cure a physical problem though. Medications can mask the pain of a physical problem but they can not fix the root cause of a physical problem.

The other disadvantage with taking pain medications is that they can have many negative side effects. You only need to read the label of pain medications too see the long list of additional complications that may result from using a certain product.

The physical problem causing a TMJ disorder mostly gets worse over time so more medications would often be required when pain relief is not found. This increases the chance of possible complications from the use of medications.

The best solution is to get treatment for the real physical cause of TMJ pain.

Treatments For TMJ Relief - Can Chiropractors, Physical Therapists or Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists Help?

The root cause of TMJ pain is not addressed by physical therapists or ear, nose and throat specialists.

Chiropractors may be able to offer help but this depends on the exact nature of the physical problem causing a patients' TMJ syndrome. If there is a misalignment in the spine then a chiropractic adjustment can be of assistance in properly aligning the spine and therefore providing pain relief.

Fundamentally, TMJ pain is mostly because of a poor bite and misaligned jaw so it is often better to first visit a TMJ dentist and then afterwards to visit a chiropractor if the spine is also involved in addition to the jaw.

Treatments For TMJ Relief - How A TMJ Dentist Treats The Root Cause Of A TMJ Disorder

Visiting a TMJ Dentist is one of the surest ways to correct the root physical problem that causes TMJ pain. This treatment is not as fast as simply popping a pain pill but it is the path to take for those wanting to have the core problem corrected so long term pain relief is possible.

While the treatments a TMJ dentist performs to provide TMJ relief are painless and designed to provide long term results, there are a few disadvantages.

First, a TMJ disorder is very complicated to properly diagnose and then provide treatments for. Because of this, not every dentist is comfortable in taking on patients who have TMJ pain. So the first challenge is finding a TMJ dentist.

Secondly, TMJ dental treatments require periodic follow up appointments so it helps to find a TMJ dentist who is fairly local. This is not always possible but because of the uniqueness of the help they provide some people with TMJ pain are willing to travel long distances for help. For example, TMJ dentist Dr. Goodfellow in the Toronto area has had patients drive as long as 12 hours for his TMJ treatments.

The unique advantage a TMJ dentist provides is that they have invested thousands of hours in post-graduate studies specifically for the treatment of TMJ syndrome. Because of this they have gotten to the point where they can use their expertise and many pieces of specialized equipment to quickly diagnose if someone actually has a TMJ disorder. If this is the case they will know exactly what treatments to provide in order to deliver quick and mostly long-term pain relief.