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TREATMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND OSTEOPATHY

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD): What it is and the Main Symptoms.

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is responsible for connecting the jaw to the skull and allowing essential movements such as chewing, speaking and yawning. It is a very common condition that can affect people of all ages.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the face, jaw, ear and neck

  • Popping or clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth

  • Jaw locking or locking

  • Frequent headaches

  • Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth

  • Ringing in the ears and a feeling of tiredness in the chewing muscles

The causes of TMD are multifactorial and may involve bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth), muscle tension, trauma to the region, dental occlusion problems, habits such as nail biting, as well as emotional factors such as stress and anxiety.

This pathology has four main factors.

- Predisposing factors (genetic condition)

- Precipitating Factors (mechanisms that precipitate the disease)

-Maintenance Factors (the variables that keep the pathology active)

-Inhibitory factors (therapeutic mechanisms, in order to inhibit pain)

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture, an ancient technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been widely used as a treatment for TMD. Studies show that it can be very useful.

There are often results of pain inhibition just a few minutes after inserting the acupuncture needles.

Main benefits of acupuncture for TMD:

  • Significant reduction in orofacial pain and muscle tension

  • Relaxation of the chewing muscles

  • Improved jaw range of motion

  • Anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and muscle relaxant effects

  • Promoting physical, mental and emotional balance, helping to control factors such as Stress and Anxiety

  • Non-invasive approach

  • Acupuncture acts through central pain inhibition mechanisms, stimulating the release of endorphins and serotonin, which contributes to symptom relief and improving the patient's quality of life.

Osteopathy Treatment

Osteopathy is a manual therapeutic approach that aims to restore balance and function to the body, including the temporomandibular joint. Osteopathic treatment uses specific techniques to relieve pain, improve jaw mobility, and reduce tension in the muscles and tissues surrounding the TMJ.

Main benefits of osteopathy for TMD:

  • Rapid relief of orofacial pain and associated symptoms

  • Improved jaw function and mouth movements

  • Reduction of muscle tension and joint blockages

  • Global approach, treating not only the joint, but also postural and muscular factors that may contribute to the problem

  • Increased patient quality of life and well-being

Osteopathy, especially cranial osteopathy, is indicated for both acute and chronic cases of TMD, and can be combined with other conventional treatments to enhance results.

Final Considerations

TMD is a condition that can have a significant impact on quality of life, but there are treatments, such as acupuncture and osteopathy, that offer proven benefits in reducing pain, relaxing muscles and improving function. The choice of treatment should be made on an individual basis, with guidance from qualified professionals, always aiming at the patient's overall well-being.

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