A Medical Mess - TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder, a complicated, difficult-to-diagnosis condition which is even more difficult to treat, is extraordinarily troublesome for doctors and patients alike. The condition comes with a plethora of symptoms, and no two cases ever seem to be the same. Some sufferers experience only a mild and/or annoying popping in the jaws. Others experience jaw dislocations, severe pain in the jaw, headaches, dizziness, ear pain, tinnitus, even back, neck and arm discomfort.

The causes of the disorder are as multifarious as the symptoms. Many report that their problems began after extensive dental work. Almost all of these cases will self-resolve given time and a softer diet. Others experience the onset of pain after accidents or blows to the head or jaw. Often, however, the problem arises because of clenching or grinding of the teeth, most often done while one is asleep. The condition may take years to fully develop, but once it does, it may never completely resolve, even though one may become pain free. Still, one may always have to be careful about what one eats...no apples on the core, corn on the cob, or chewy cuts of meat, and even nuts and crunchy items may be verboten.

Unfortunately, there is no dental or medical certification for treating this disease. Essentially, any dentist can claim to be a specialist in TMJ. This is, sadly, where the real problems may begin for someone suffering from TMJ Disorder. For example, one method of treatment that may work for some, but may actually exasperate the problem for others, is the recommendation to use mouth guards. Recent studies from Wayne State University claim that mouth guards ARE NOT helpful in treating this condition. This is because after a short time the wearer becomes accustomed to the mouth guard and then just begins grinding away on it. Some people, however, insist the mouth guard is a helpful appliance. For others, the mouth guard makes the problem worse.

Tragically, some dentists and doctors prescribe irreversible treatment, such as grinding teeth down to even a bite; pulling teeth and then suggesting expensive bridge and crown work; even surgery. This is done despite the fact that most cases of TMJ will resolve given TIME and a SOFTER DIET.

People are generally impatient, however, and don't like leaving the body to its own timetable and devices to heal, and when we are talking about TMJ, we are often talking a year or more for the condition to correct, and that is with careful attention to one's diet. It is also imperative that one stop grinding and clenching if this is the root cause of the TMJD problem. There are various methods for doing this, and one must essentially sort through the literature to find the method that will work for them.

It is critical, however, that one not allow irreversible procedures to be done. The success rate from jaw surgery is minuscule. Most surgeries leave the patient worse off than they were before. We want relief from the pain, but don't look for relief at any cost...you could pay forever with unending pain. There are people who've had surgery who will never chew again!

Be wary of taking pain medication also. With the pain medication, one continues to injure the jaw but doesn't feel the pain! It may be necessary to take medication sporadically, but by all means make sure your diet is soft and easy to chew to avoid making the condition worse.

Joint Pain Relief and Cetylated Fatty Acids

Like the Tin Man, there are millions of people out and about that are suffering from stiff joints. Along with the joint stiffness too often comes aching, sore, and painfulness in the joints. From elbows, fingers, and ankles, to the larger knees and hips, all of our joints are subject to use and abuse. This means that any of them could become painful problems in our day to day lives.

There are several tried and true regimens available that are considered a more natural choice compared to medications prescribed at a doctor's office. One of the newest and most promising products is composed of CFAs, or cetylated fatty acids. By working to lubricate the joint, CFAs have shown remarkable promise and have taken big steps forward in the quest for freedom from joint pain. Along with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, CFAs are making a big difference for joint pain victims.

Celadrin, one product made of CFAs, has been able to give relief to some patients who have not been able to find adequate relief with glucosamine alone. These people have been able to reach higher levels of relief that improve with continued use. In other words, if a noticeable difference is reached after 30 days of use, an even greater difference is likely to be noticeable after 60 days. The use of any or all of these options seems to be something that needs to be looked at on an individual basis. A trial and error period is necessary for a person to figure out what works best for them. Remember, it is always a good idea to discuss these ideas and choices with your current primary care physician.

Many wonder what makes these fatty acids different from the others out on the market. CFAs appear to be able to loosen up and lubricate joints and would probably even have been able to help that Tin Man find respite. There have been several studies released touting the advantages of CFA usage. Throughout all of the studies that have been completed there have been no reported side effects, no contraindications with other medications. According to Robert Hesslink Jr., Sc.D., who led the research into the use of cetylated fatty acids, "The mix of fatty acids in Celadrin seems to function on several different levels throughout the body to reduce inflammation-by controlling the body's cells as well as the immune system. People don't get these fatty acids in their diets these days."

Researchers have found a big market among those suffering from joint pain. The baby boomers are one generation that is known for innovation and a thirst for life. That desire to live life to its fullest has brought an astounding number of aching joints to markets everywhere. The extra focus and attention also has been instrumental in getting more funding for research. Thankfully, the time, effort, and energy put forth in this area is paying off. The future is looking better for those suffering from joint pain... and definitely for those up and coming busy-bodies!

Women & Joint Pain

The top five health concerns of women are breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, depression, and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus in which the body attacks itself. Although the most common cause of disability for women in the United States is arthritic disease.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes damage to the joints of the body. There are different forms of arthritis and each has a different cause; however, the most common form is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) that results when a joint is injured or becomes infected. While its origin is uncertain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful autoimmune disorder that leads to chronic inflammation at the joints. Osteoarthritis is a more common illness caused by a gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Any form of arthritis typically worsens with age, but ironically, almost two-thirds of people with arthritis are under age 65, and more than 60 percent are women.

Who Is At Risk?

Arthritic disease affects 46 million Americans, or more than 21 percent of the adult population. The disease affects Caucasians and African-Americans equally. That number and the costs associated with treating the disease is expected to rise even higher as baby boomers age. Currently, arthritis treatment costs Americans more than $128 billion a year in lost earnings and medical care. Those who are overweight are especially prone to having arthritis due to the extra stress that obesity places on the joints.

How can holistic therapy help women with common arthritis?
Experts advise staying active and keeping your weight under control to help prevent or treat arthritis.  If you lose as little as ten pounds, you can decrease pain in the knees and hips by 50 percent. With exercise, you can decrease the progression of the disease. Chiropractic care has similar positive effects. If you suffer with low back pain or neck pain you may benefit from gentle spinal care to facilitate mobility and reduce stress.  Related conditions such as fibromyalgia, lupus, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rheumatic/giant cell arteritis may also be helped with chiropractic care.

Most people do not know that arthritic pain symptoms often appear as a result of food allergies. Food sensitivities often manifest in a delayed matter, which means that something you ate in the previous 24 to 48 hours may be the culprit. Keeping a food diary or having a ALCAT (food and chemical sensitivity/intolerance test) will help you determine a cause. The most common foods that trigger arthritis pain are:

Beans      
Beef         
Corn      
Nightshades  (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, onions, eggplant) 
Nuts       
Salicylates  (naturally-occurring chemicals found in some fruits and vegetables)
Soy            
Wheat       
Yeast       

By avoiding foods the body is allergic or sensitive to, arthritic symptoms may be eliminated. Even if there is wear and tear of the joints, pain is dramatically reduced.  During my 17 years of treating people with food allergies, I have seen arthritic symptoms disappear through natural holistic therapy.  While the joints may appear the same, the pain is relieved. My hope is that you find help to relieve your joint pain.

Joint Supplementation - Why Glucosamine and Chondroitin Are Overrated Joint Supplements

Joint Supplements - The Inside Scoop

Let's take a brief look at the current science of supplementation for joint pain, including my own clinical experience, and then we'll go over the bigger picture of body inflammation, hydration, and some neuro-structural considerations. Of course, this information is not a substitute for seeing your healthcare practitioner, but will help you make more informed decisions in choosing with joint supplementation for joint pain.

Joint Supplement Science

There are a handful of controlled, double-blind studies on glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia. The problem is that the vast majority are for osteoarthritis, which is a very advanced and difficult to treat form of joint damage. They also never exclude NSAID use (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and NSAIDs inhibit cartilage repair.

With any sort of inflammatory disorder, the supplement with the greatest quantity and quality of science behind it, by far, is fish oil. EVERYONE should supplement with fish oil.

Joint Pain Supplementation - Clinical Observations- Joint Supplement Reviews:

I have about twenty-five years of clinical experience with the various supplementation schemes for joint issues. Here are my observations:

Chondroitin and Glucosamine: These popular sulfur-bearing, biological polymer building-blocks rarely give good results and I have seen allergic reactions to them all too often. This is likely due to their high sulfite content, and the fact that most are derived from shellfish. I never recommend these as a joint supplement anymore.

Boswellia: Derived from an east Indian tree yielding a resin used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory, this joint supplement works well for some people, but is definitely hard on the gut. Many people experience an intolerance in the gut when taking Boswellia. This joint supplement is a less strong cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and seems to have a similar action as do the NSAIDs, that is, it's an anti-inflammatory but doesn't seem to help joint-rebuilding directly.

Kaprex^TM: An extract of hops, rosemary and olive leaf that works well for some people but not others. I believe this to be due to variations in the underlying cause. If your joint problems are due to an underlying pro - inflammatory state, then Kaprex works great. I have not seen any gut problems with Kaprex, but it is an expensive joint supplement.

Aloe Vera: The allantoin in Aloe has been shown to increase cell turnover. This can be helpful to speed up cartilage repair, and Aloe has a long clinical history of use as a joint supplement.

Runner's Edge^TM: An antioxidant enzyme supplement that will clear "grit" out of joint fluid if you give it time.

Wobenzyme^TM: The original proteolytic enzyme anti- inflammatory joint supplement with a lot of science behind it. The proteolytic enzymes break down the protein signaling molecules to mitigate the inflammatory cascade process.

Acute^TM: A very effective proteolytic enzyme joint supplement. This one also has other ingredients besides the enzymes to promote effective healing. A great alternative to NSAIDS without any liver or kidney toxicity, and in my experience, more effective than Wobenzyme. This effective joint enhancer also contains natural vitamin C, Zinc, Manganese, and Copper; known essential nutrients for collagen repair and the best vitamins for joint repair.

Vitamin D: Best from the sun, essential for normal immune function, can be very helpful to reduce immune over-activity.

Hyaluronic Acid: Pulls moisture into the tissues. Best from food, including most whole fruits and vegetables, especially starchy root vegetables, help the body to retain moisture and assist the body in its own lubrication; like- wise, stock prepared from bones and joints of wild or humanely-raised animals. This is also good taken as a supplement.

Methy Sulfonyl Methane (MSM): This is basically a highly-bioavailable form of sulfur- and my favorite supplement for joint pain. About 80% of people who use it notice a positive improvement. Easy to use-just buy it in bulk and mix it with water. Inexpensive too, but don't bother with the Chinese-sourced stuff; it's not worth it. If you aren't low in sulfur, MSM may not help. People who respond to chondroitin/glucosamine typically respond even better to MSM by itself. If you are low in bioavailable sulfur, it will soften up and hydrate scarred- up and thickened connective tissue and improve cartilage repair rates, providing increased flexibility and effective relief.

The Pro-inflammatory State and Joint Pain

Sometimes the joint is just where the inflammation is being expressed. Whether you have elbow joint pain, hand joint pain, or hip joint pain, this may indicate that you have pro-inflammatory metabolic state in your body. A diet high in Omega-6 fatty acids and refined carbohydrates and/or excessive calories are all associated with a pro-inflammatory balance. Spicy food can increase inflammation as well. Some other factors that promote inflammation in the body include food allergies, impaired metabolic detoxification pathways, acidity (from high-acid foods and beverages, stress, and inactivity), and chronic infections.

Hydration

You need both general hydration (drinking and absorbing water) and local hydration, that is, getting fluids inside the cartilage itself. There are two known ways to accomplish this. One is through hyaluronic acid since it pulls moisture into the tissues. As mentioned, the best food-source known for hyaluronic acid is any soup stock made from bones (also available as a supplement). The second factor is the mechanical action of the joint.

Hyaline Cartilage

Joint cartilage, known as Hyaline cartilage is like a very smooth and slippery sponge. Like all connective tissue it consists of living cells within a non-living matrix.

If you look through a microscope, the cartilage-building cells (called chondrocytes) in this matrix have a little space like a pool that they live in called lacunae. It's important to note that hyaline cartilage contains no blood vessels! The only way those cells get the oxygen, blood sugar and nutrients they need to survive and thrive is to absorb the joint fluid directly through movement.

This is called imbibition-the direct drinking in of water. When you put weight on your knee, it compresses the cartilage "sponge" and squeezes water and waste mate- rial out. When you pick up your leg, it de-compresses the "sponge" allowing it to absorb water and nutrients again. This is essential for the normal nightly burst of cartilage repair in the body essential for healthy joint function.

Neuro-Structural Integrity

If your knee is misaligned, it can be compressed in one area and not another. This spot will have accelerated cartilage wear, and reduced repair, because it is not decompressing and getting the imbibition it needs.

Often knee alignment is secondary to hip and low-back alignment, which is secondary to neck alignment. If your neck is missing its natural curve, that puts tensile stretching forces on the spinal cord, which increases nerve tension throughout the body. Since nerves cross joints and the spinal cord contains more important tissue than a knee, the body will compress the knee trying to reduce the pulling on the spinal cord. In this case, the entire knee may not effectively decompress at all. If this is the case, a joint supplement will have little effect.

It may sound strange that having a good chiropractor work on your neck and spine can improve your knee pain, but time and time again I hear my clients tell me how much better their knees feel after a few sessions.

So if you have aching joints, experiment with the above joint supplements with the assistance of your practitioner, and be aware of other factors, like the overall tendency to inflammation in the body. Drink plenty of water and take a close look at the possibility of any loss of neuro-structural integrity. So what is the best joint supplement? The joint supplement that works best for you!

Your Doctor Can Diagnose a Joint Pain Treatment

Whether mild or severe, joint pain can hold you back from doing the things that are important to you. Daily necessities like cooking, writing or even getting dressed can be like torture if your joints are bothering you. Many people put off seeing a doctor because they assume that their joint pains are not significant enough to bother with or because they accept joint pain as 'the way it is.' However, seeing a physician can be a valuable experience for you if you have moderate to severe joint pain. A doctor may be able to diagnose you if you have an underlying cause of joint pain, and can suggest what you can do for joint pain treatment.

Since many things can cause joint pain, such as injury, repetitive use, arthritis, tendonitis, gout or even viral infections, it's important to rule out anything more serious. At the doctor's office, expect her to ask you several questions about your joint pain to determine whether or not your pain is the result of arthritis. Expect to explain about the location, severity and duration of your joint pain. Also expect her to ask about what aggravates your joint pains and what you use to treat it. Your doctor will want to know if it hurts more when you move or when you hold it still, so before going to the doctor try to take mental notes of your symptoms. If it helps, write down what times of day or what activities you were doing when your joint pain occurred. Be sure also to mention to the doctor any other symptoms that may be bothering you, as they may be related.

The doctors will sometimes have tests that document your joint pains. X-rays, for example, are useful but the doctor may also want a blood sample to test. Both of these procedures allow doctors to get a closer look at your symptoms, enabling them to make a more precise diagnosis.

If it's determined that your joint pains are not caused by arthritis, some things you can do for treatment is to rest your joints as much as possible. Heat can help alleviate pain, as well as an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to reduce soreness. If your symptoms persist or get worse, or if they are accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss go back to your doctor right away.

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, there are several things you can try, but no one solution will be effective for everybody. Your doctor will work out a joint pain treatment plan with you, based on your individual pain and severity of arthritis. Physical therapy may be prescribed or joint health supplements suggested. If yours is a chronic condition you can work on ways to manage your arthritis pain. Some treatments include massage, warm therapeutic tubs, exercise, relaxations techniques, res, and proper diet. Medications can also be prescribed to help manage the pain. Many people who suffer from severe joint pain swear by supplements and topical creams for temporary relief. Talk with your doctor to find out which joint pain treatment is the right one for you.

Dealing With Osteoarthrosis in Dogs

Osteoarthrosis can be used interchangeably with arthritis and degenerative joint disease. This is characterized when there is a loss of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the movable joints found in the end of the bones. Cartilage has no nerves, so if it touches another bone, no pain can be felt. Over time, the cartilages wear out exposing the bone. Since the bones have nerves, it results in pain and inflammation when they touch each other. This is a signal that there is arthritis present. In this disease you can find small bony projections which are called osteophytes. It forms in the bones close to the joints. This can add to the pain and worsen as it progresses.

There are many causes of Osteoarthrosis. One is the result of wear and tear on the normal joints. This occurs no matter what the age of the dog. This is referred to as primary degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthrosis can also be a result of another condition that affects the joint called hip or elbow dysplasia. This is also known as secondary degenerative joint disease. You may ask which dogs are prone to this problem. Any dog that suffers from congenital joint problems like dysplasia or patella luxation is prone to have Osteoarthrosis. If the dog also had injury to the joint or knee, it would likely to develop arthritis.

The symptoms of this disease may vary depending on the joints that are involved. Age of the dog and severity of the disease are also considered to be a factor. The primary symptoms may involve altered gait. The dog will tend to put much weight on its unaffected limbs. Because the dog is not using it or trying to put little weight on it, there could be muscle atrophy. An example is when a dog is suffering from hip dyplasia that involves hind limbs. The muscles of the hind limbs are thin but the ones in the chest and shoulders may increase because it is used often. The dog may have difficulty lying down or standing up. It may appear to be stiff. If you notice that your pet is having a difficult time to get up and down the stairs then he or she might have this problem. There are times when the dog doesn't have their normal appetite or their behavior is off. The joints may be swollen and the dog can't vocalize the pain. The dog might lick or bite the painful area. Some may look for warm and soft places to sleep.

If you think that your dog is suffering from Osteoathrosis, take him or her to the vet. X-rays and lab test can be performed to find out more about the affected joints. There is treatment for this problem through medicine and even surgical procedures.

No More DDD Back Pain! Here's a Proven Way to Say Goodbye to Your Degenerative Disc Disease Worries!

Degenerative Disc Disease, or DDD, is highly correlated with age factor. As we mature and grow older the tough and rubbery discs between our vertebrae dry up and lose their cushioning height. To illustrate, I would compare a spinal disc to Homer Simpsons favorite sofa cushion (the sofa cushion in front of the TV). As years passed by, Homers weight would shatter the sofa ultimately and wear out the fabric. While the outcome for Homer was perpetual butt-relief, the result of Degenerative Disc Disease for the typical 3-D person sadly, is anything but comfort.

Luckily Degenerative Disc Disease sounds a lot worse than it actually is. It is the degenerative that really affects my well being. Well, disease is not an encouraging word either. But the truth is, everyone gets DDD as they age, and usually it is not painful. It is an inherent stage of getting older. However, it is when the spinal disc shrinks to the point of vertebrae hitting bone on bone, that nerves are affected and back pain begins. For the two commonly known DDD back pain, these are classified as Cervical (neck) and Lumbar (lower back).

Both types of degeneration yield further back problems such as herniated discs, arthritis or sciatica (pain in the legs) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal chord). It is amazing how a small problem in the spine can cause joint and bone inflammation in the fingers and toes. Has anyone ever compared the peripheral nervous system to the Internet? Like the Internet, the nervous system is all over: It conveys body-wide messages, but watch out, it can also instigate body-wide aches.

Spinal Decompression To The Rescue!

Spinal Decompression helps treat all types of DDD because the lifting of the vertebrae allows for the spinal disc to repair itself. Then pressure is taken off the nerves. Especially in cases of spinal stenosis or sciatica, where surgery is invasive and therefore risky, Spinal Decompression is a conservative, yet affective method of treatment.

With the option of Spinal Decompression, I feel at ease. But my pressing concern given all the information available, is there a doable way which can ensure a healthy condition for my spinal discs?

Unfortunately, this time eating right and exercising regularly just wont cut it. The root of DDD back pain comes from a loss of collagen (protein) and water in the spinal discs. The shortfall of fluid occurs when the number of Proteoglycan Molecules in the discs decreases. So, when Drs. Mark Ewin and Robert Inman from the University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital discovered in 2006 that the Notochord Cell (which releases CTGF, which is a connective tissue) regulates production of Proteoglycan, they were upbeat that their research results would serve as a groundwork for future regeneration of disc cartilage for patients suffering from DDD back pain. One impediment: the only Notochord cells found in humans are in their embryos, and for now this study is steering clear of stem cells!

But thank goodness there is at least progressive research going on that might one day help preserve the spines discs. Good thing for Spinal Decompression in the meantime though! I feel somewhat relieved that no one is alone for having a fear of back pain. So: research studies are underway, the spinal decompression machine is pulling: Some efforts are underway geared towards addressing our back problems.