Can't Anyone Help Me With My Jaw Pain?

Does your jaw, head, or ear hurt? You may be suffering from a TMJ disorder (Temporomandibular joint disorder). There are two TM joints connecting your jawbone to your skull. Since there are so many different components involved in the construction of the TMJ you should see a doctor to make sure it's not one of the other dozens of conditions causing your pain.

After you have been diagnosed with the TMJ disorder it's time to find a treatment plan that will successfully cure you and relieve the pain. The problem with this condition is: since there are no dental or medical qualified experts specifically trained to treat the TMJ condition there aren't any established standards for the treatment of the TMJ disorder. What that means is there are doctors and dentists who claim to be TMJ doctors or TMJ specialists but there is no real TMJ doctor out there.

If you look to the National Institutes of Health for advice you will be told to look for a health care provider with an understanding of musculoskeletal disorders who has been trained to treat chronic pain conditions. If you talk to the American Dental Association or the American Medical Association you will find that neither one recognizes a single treatment of the TMJ disorder as a specialty.

Since there is no specialized training or certification processes for TMJ treatments there is a wide range of treatment options out there offered by a wide range of medical practitioners. Some of the treatment plans work for some people and some don't. Some plans can actually make the condition worse. That makes starting the treatment for your condition with therapies that are easily reversed a great idea.

Some TMJ doctors will suggest things like splints or TMJ night guards, or medications or even surgery but none of these things are proven and nothing will be right for every patient. The best advice is to figure out the root cause of your TMJ disorder and find a treatment plan that addresses the root cause and your TMJ symptoms.

A good idea for finding a TMJ doctor is to network with other TMJ patients in your area and find out whom their TMJ doctor is or what clinic they go to is. Then go see them to see if they can help you. You just want to make sure that whomever you choose to be your TMJ doctor they have experience with successfully treating patients with the TMJ disorder.

Causes of Housemaids Knee (Bursitis) And Treatment by Pharmaceuticals and Natural Remedies

This article gives the reader a basic knowledge of the knee structure. Points covered will be different ligaments and cartilage that interact to enable correct function of the knee. The treatment and causes of housemaids knee (bursitis) will also be described. Pharmaceuticals can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. These can range from the fairly mild paracetamol to the strong opoids such as morphine. Herbal remedies tend to work on inflammation. The reduction of inflammation itself can often reduce pain levels. This article aims to help the reader suffering knee problems to be able to make considered choices in their treatment.

Basic Structure Of The Knee.

The knee consists of four bones, namely the femur, tibia, the fibula and the patella. The knee joint is located between the femur and tibia and is traditionally classed as a hinge joint, having movement in only plane. This means that the knee only bends or straightens. However, it is also classed as a ellipsoid joint because it does allow a small amount rotation of the lower leg. The patella (kneecap) is situated at the front of the knee. The femur has two ellipsoid surfaces and joins the fibia with the menisci (commonly known as cartilage) between. The fibula does not directly move with the femur but works on the lateral (outer) side of the tibia. There thirteen ligaments attached around the knee. These are patellar, patellar retinaculum, oblique popiliteal, arcuate popiteal, medial collateral, lateral collateral, anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, coronary (2), transverse, and meniscofemoral (2). It is not in the remit of this article to describe in detail the function of all of these ligaments.

Housemaids Knee', A Common Cause Of Knee Pain.

Housemaids knee is a common name given to Bursitis. This occurs in the subcutaneous prepatellar bursa. This can, as the common name suggests, be caused by prolonged work performed on the knees. This type of bursitis can affect roofers, carpet layers, miners, plumbers amongst other groups who kneel for long periods. Bursitis may also cause another condition of slow accumulation of fluid in the knee commonly called 'water on the knee'.

Another cause of a swollen knee can be caused following an injury. If the swelling appears immediately after the injury the swelling is often an accumulation of blood within the joint called 'hemarthrosis'.

Treatment For Housemaids Knee Using Pharmaceutical Drugs.

There are many pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines readily available. In this article some general ones will be described.

Paracetamol: Also called Acetaminophen. Paracetamol relieves pain and fever in adults and children. Its pain relief (analgesic) and fever relief (antipyretic) effects are similar to those of aspirin and it works in a similar way. Unlike aspirin, however, increasing the dose does not result in clinically useful anti-inflammatory activity. Paracetamol is therefore not of value for reducing inflammation in the treatment of bursitis (housemaids knee). The recommended adult single dose of paracetamol is two standard 500 mg tablets. Although paracetamol is widely available it should be treated with respect. An overdose to a healthy person of taking 30 tablets at once will result in liver damage and possible death.

Co-Codamol. Co-codamol contains a combination of two pain-killing ingredients paracetamol and codeine. It is used to stop pain. The amount of codeine in the combination determines the strength of the preparation. There are three different strengths of co-codamol available. Codeine/Paracetamol 8/500mg, 12.8/500mg, and 30/500mg. Common side effects are feeling sick, dry mouth and constipation amongst others.

Codeine Phosphate. Codeine phosphate is a pain killer. It comes in 3 tablet sizes, 15mg, 30mg, and 60mg. Common side effects include skin rash or itchy skin, difficulty breathing, increased sweating, redness or flushed face, constipation, feeling or being sick, dry mouth, a slow or fast heart rate, palpitations, low blood pressure, low blood pressure on standing, pain and difficulty in passing urine and a less frequent need to do so, dizziness, and blurred vision amongst others.

Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is in the group of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as bursitis (housemaids knee). Common side effects are an increase in asthma symptoms, increased risk of stomach ulcers, and damage to the intestines amongst others.

NaproxenNaproxen is a NSAID. It is used to reduce pain and inflammation in many conditions including knee pain. Common side effects include ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, heartburn, and constipation amongst others.

Voltarol. Also called Diclofenac Sodium is a NSAID. Voltarol is available in tablet form and a gel that is rubbed into the affected area. Voltarol is used in the treatment of many conditions including acute musculo-skeletal disorders such as periarthritis (for example frozen shoulder), tendinitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis. Some common side effects include nausea, constipation, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, skin rashes, drowsiness, depression, insomnia, fluid retention and ringing in the ears amongst others.

Treatment Of Housemaids Knee using Natural Methods.

Chondroitin Sulfate: Chondroitin Sulfate is also naturally found in the body. It prevents other body enzymes from degrading the building blocks of joint cartilage.

Devils Claw: Devils claw has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain in such problems of arthritis and bursitis, during clinical trials. This should not be taken by people with stomach ulcers.

Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that our bodies naturally manufacture. It is considered one of the major building blocks for joint protection. It is usually found in conjunction with Chondroitin Sulfate, and is widely used to relieve pain and inflammation in such health problems of back ache, tennis elbow, and housemaids knee.

MSM: Is the shortened form of methylsulfonylmethane. MSM provides sulfur, which is a vital building block of joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails. It also supports the production of energy. It helps normal re-building of connective tissue.

Turmeric: Turmeric has been shown in clinical studies to be as effective as some NSAIDs, without the unpleasant side effects. High doses of turmeric should not be taken if the user suffers intestinal problems.

White Willow Bark: The active ingredient in willow bark is salicin. Records show people have been using willow bark since the time of Hippocrates in 400 B.C. It is used to ease discomfort.

It appears that for mild bursitis natural remedies are well worth giving consideration. Pharmaceutical drugs are preferred for more severe pain but have many more unpleasant side effects.

The Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

The symptoms of TMJ disorder can be disheartening and painful. TMJ difficulties not only create extreme agony in the jaw, but also contribute to ear discomfort, throat problems, back pain, and much more.

Here is just a partial list of the symptoms that specific body parts suffer from due to TMJ disorder. While you may already be suffering from one of the symptoms below, please keep in mind that there are numerous home remedies that can help alleviate your pain today.

A sample of symptoms includes:

Ear Pain

• 50% suffer from pain in the ears


• Consistent "whooshing" or crackling sounds


• Diminished hearing abilities


• "Scratchy" or clogged ears


• Vertigo

Eye Discomfort

• Eyes encompassed in pain


• Blurred vision


• Light sensitivity


• Bloodshot eyes


• Constant watering

Teeth Problems

• Persistent tooth pain


• Sensitive gums


• Bruxism

Throat Issues

• Difficulties swallowing


• Tight throat region


• Loss of one's voice


• Sore throat

Shoulder and Neck Stress

• Stiffness throughout back area


• Tingling in the arms and fingers


• Partial numbness of the limbs


• Tense shoulders

Head Discomfort

• 80% suffer from headaches


• Forehead area throbs


• Pain in back of head


• Sensitive hair and scalp


• Migraines

Facial Pain

• Sore cheek area


• Lack of tongue control


• Trouble maintaining jaw movements


• Aching jaw joints


• Improper bite when teeth come together


• Persistent "clicking" or "popping" noises in the jaw

Please keep in mind that there are numerous things you can do from home, work, and even while on vacation to help with the pain and discomfort you're experience from TMJ disorder. You can alter your diet to make sure you eliminate foods and drinks high in caffeine. You can do basic and simple jaw stretches to help ease your pain. And of course, exercise of any kind - from swimming to jogging - will help alleviate the pain caused by TMJ disorder.

Treating Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Using Supartz

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of a knee joint, common in people older than 40 years. It causes pain, swelling and reduced motion in your joint. The cartilage in your joints breaks down if you have osteoarthritis. Cartilage is a rubbery tissue at the end of the bones, allowing your joint to move easily.

A healthy knee contains synovial fluid, a fluid that cushions your knee. Synovial fluid contains a lubricating substance called hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid. When you have osteoarthritis, it can be hard to move your joints due to lack of hyaluronan. This can cause the surface layer of cartilage to break and wear away. The bones under the cartilage rub together, which can cause pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. The joint may loose its normal shape over time.

As a solution to knee osteoarthritis pain, Supartz joint fluid therapy may provide long lasting pain relief. Supartz is a solution which consists of highly purified sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan). Hyaluronan is a natural substance found in the synovial fluid that helps cushion and lubricate a knee joint.

Supartz injection helps in restoring the cushioning and lubricating properties of synovial fluid. Upon injection, Supartz acts in place of synovial fluid, facilitating smoother joint movement and less painful contact between bones. This can be used for those who have failed to respond to simple pain killers, exercise or physical therapy. It is administered in the form of injection, injected directly into the knee. It is given once a week for 5 weeks, for up to total of 5 injections. To reduce the pain, local anesthesia may be provided.

Supartz is one of the earliest joint fluid therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More than 200 million injections have been administered worldwide, and it is the most prescribed joint fluid therapy. This only shows that this joint fluid therapy is safe to use and is effective in providing pain relief.

A course of Supartz therapy can help relieve pain and improve mobility. Although it can be given with 3 to 5 weekly doses, some patients experience benefits within the first 3 weeks. The joint fluid therapy can be very effective in delaying or preventing knee replacement surgery. Also, its effectiveness in improving knee pain from knee osteoarthritis has been shown in several clinical studies.

After taking Supartz, the patient may be advised to avoid doing strenuous activities for 2 days after the injection. Strenuous activities may include climbing stairs, jogging and weight training. The doctor may notify some other restrictions which should be best complied by the patient.

Muscle and Joint Pain

The most common cause of joint and muscle pain is a disease called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Most of the patients suffering from SLE experience muscle and joint pains during course of the illness.

The pain is mainly caused by the inflammation of joints and muscles. Sometimes the symptoms resemble that of viral flu, as an acute pain in joints and muscles can make someone feel really sick. The symptoms at times may resemble those of arthritis, as the joints, which have an aching pain also, get swollen and become tender. In some patients the joint pain might not be so acute, but intense muscle inflammation may result in loss of strength.

Sometimes, joint and muscle pains precede SLE. In some extreme cases, a person may feel joint and muscle pain even at rest. Most of the patients suffering from muscle and joint pain are advised by doctors to have the right mix of rest and exercise. They have to be extremely careful while doing any activity, so that they do not put additional stress on already-affected muscles and joints.

Though muscle and joint pain can occur in any part of the body, hips, shoulders and knees are more prone to this ailment. Excess body weight adds to the woes of patients suffering from these pains.

However, SLE is not the only cause of muscle and joint pains. They could be caused by a combination of ailments, such as arthritis and muscle injury. So before one reaches a conclusion about the cause of joint and muscle pain, it is important to consult a doctor.

Muscle and joint pains can be cured when detected at an early stage. In some cases, though, a permanent cure may not be possible. In other cases the patient may have to undergo surgery to replace certain joints. Muscle and joint pain can seriously affect the activity level of any individual. So one should try to avoid it by doing regular exercises, eating a balanced diet and consulting a doctor whenever one feels such pain.

Neck Pain

Muscle pain - neck pain - thumb flexion

Patients with neck pain and discomfort may complain of pain in the thumb region with difficulties in moving the painful thumb muscles.

Pain at the base of the thumb may be due to arthritis at the joint between the wrist bone and the knuckle bone known as the carpometacarpal joint. Arthritis at this joint is very common. Arthritic pain of this joint at the base of the thumb is made worse when there is nerve related pain and spasm in the muscles that cross the carpometacarpal joint (joint between the thumb wrist bone and the thumb knuckle bone).
Treatment of thumb pain must involve treating all muscles that participate in moving the thumb in all its many capable movements of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and opposition.

The many complex movements of the thumb are essential in producing fine manipulation such as writing, picking up small objects, turning the key, stitching, knitting cutting up food, turning the doorknob, etc.

Thumb flexion consists of moving the thumb along the plane of the palm.

Muscles responsible for performing this motion include:

- flexor pollicis brevis (superficial head supplied by the median nerve and the deep head supplied by the ulnar nerve). This muscle is supplied by the C8 and T1 nerve roots.

- extensor pollicis longus supplied by the radial nerve (C7, C8).
When the flexor pollicis brevis is not functioning, the supplementary action of the extensor pollicis longus muscle together with that of the flexor pollicis longus supplied by the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve by causing simultaneous flexion of the tip of the thumb will be able to flex the thumb along the plane of the palm.

© 2007 copyright all rights reserved http://www.stopmusclepain.com Muscle pain - neck pain - thumb flexion

Muscle pain - neck pain - thumb adduction

Patients with nerve related muscle pain leading to neck pain/discomfort often complain of pain in the region of the thumb.

Thumb pain can be due to pain and spasm in muscles that perform movements of the thumb.

If the thumb is held at right angles to the plane of the palm with the palm facing up, adduction is the movement of the thumb down toward the plane of the palm.
Muscles that perform adduction of the thumb are:

- adductor pollicis supplied by the ulnar nerve (C8, T1)

This adduction movement has to be assisted by the following muscles:

- extensor pollicis longus supplied by the posterior interosseous nerve of the radial nerve (C7, C8)

- opponens pollicis supplied by the median nerve (C8, T1)

- flexor pollicis longus supplied by the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve (C8, T1)

- flexor pollicis brevis supplied by the median nerve to the superficial head and the ulnar nerve to the deep head. Both the superficial and deep heads of the flexor pollicis brevis is supplied by the C8 and T1 nerve roots.

© 2007 copyright all rights reserved http://www.stopmusclepain.com Muscle pain| neck pain| thumb adduction

Muscle pain - neck pain - wrist palmar flexion

Patients with neck pain may present with muscle pain and pain in the wrist area. They may have difficulty with making a fist and picking the wrist up so that the front (palm aspect) of the wrist is toward the face. This may be related to pain, spasm or tightness of the muscles that perform this movement.

Although it is the wrist flexors that seemingly have a problem, it is usually the tightness of the wrist dorsiflexors that initiate muscle pain in the wrist flexors. In treating problems with the wrist flexors, the entire upper limb evaluation should be done including the neck for muscle strength and range of motion.

Treatments must first begin with the large and powerful muscles that must perform lengthening contractions to stabilize the joints of the shoulder, elbow and wrist.

The main muscles that perform wrist flexion (palmar flexion) are:

- flexor carpi radialis supplied by the median nerve (C6, C7)

- flexor carpi ulnaris supplied by the ulnar nerve (C8, T1)

- abductor pollicis longus supplied by the radial nerve (C7, C8)

- flexor digitorum superficialis supplied by the median nerve (C8, T1)

- flexor digitorum profundus supplied by the ulnar nerve (C8, T1)

- palmaris longus supplied by the median nerve (C6, C7)

© 2007 copyright all rights reserved http://www.stopmusclepain.com muscle pain - neck pain - wrist palmar flexion

Alternative Drug Free Approach To Joint Pain Relief - Exercise And Physical Therapy

Non-pharmacological approach to joint pain relief comes in many forms. The evidence obtained from a systematic review of all applicable randomized controlled trials proved that exercise and physical therapy can benefit joint pain patients among all the alternatives.

In fact, exercise and physical therapy benefit the aging population more than just for relieving their joint problems. It also provides benefits to address conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, depression, stroke and insomnia. Non-pharmacological joint pain treatment is without doubt the preferred option over any conventional medications and treatments for pain management. This is due to the drug free and all natural's prescription.

Exercise and physical therapy have been studied extensively and the results were found to be very supportive in managing osteoarthritis pain. While the review have shown positive benefit of exercises in addressing osteoarthritis of the hip and knees, there is no concluded information as to which types of exercise were recommendable. On that account, exercising program and frequency will need to be customized to each individual's requirement as well as conditions permit.

On the whole, exercise programs will benefit the individual in maintaining a fit musculoskeletal system. Exercising is beneficial is reducing weight if conduced properly. This is helpful especially since obesity increases the risk factor of osteoarthritis.

Generally speaking, the type of exercises consists of 3 aspects;

1. Mobility - stretching and tai-chi


2. Strengthening - thera-bands, yoga and gyms


3. Fitness - aerobic, swimming, dancing or cycling

Given the fact that inactivity actually cause more harm, what then can exercise achieves for the patients suffering from painful joint? Other than to reduce the weight and pressure off the affected joints, exercising should work to achieve the following goals;

• Strengthening the muscles

• Improve mobility

• Improve general fitness

• Improve cardiovascular performance

• Help in losing weight

• Maintain bone density

• Improve quality of life

• Enhance well-being

• Maintain healthy status

Exercising program should be embarked upon progressively through a period of time. This is especially so for chronic joint pain patients. The need to stick to a routine schedule in order to be successful in administering joint pain is crucial. Preferably this is done in a class or with someone as company. Do not do it alone. Having someone to accompany or supervise is important. That person doesn't have to be the physiotherapist; it can be your partner, children or friends. Encouragement is as important in any non-pharmacological approaches in overcoming osteoarthritis joint pain.