tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86499314013867269882011-12-08T16:09:49.694-08:00LesaHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12790502700714094400noreply@blogger.comBlogger1991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-54331578114267020142011-12-04T11:50:00.000-08:002011-12-04T11:56:34.762-08:00

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Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-10492981847634235432011-12-03T15:06:00.000-08:002011-12-03T19:18:09.019-08:00

The Trigeminal Nerve is often called the Dentist's Nerve because it goes to the teeth, jaw muscles, jaw joints (TMJ),and periodontal ligament. Trigeminal innervation of the sinuses, eustacian tubes, tensor of the ear drum (tensor tympani), soft palate, tongue and meninges of the brain explain why there are so many disorders associated with jaw function, TMJ and TMD.There are a special group of

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-27134655856139467372011-12-03T14:27:00.000-08:002011-12-03T15:05:33.877-08:00

Question: My dentist diagonesed that I might have a TMJ problem, previously had MRI scan for trigeminal nerve pain but came negative, what could the problem be?Dr Shapira Response: The trigeminal nerve supplies approximately 50% of all input to the brain. Because the MRI scan was normal does not mean the pain is not from or mediated by the trigeminal nerve. This can include TM Joint problems,

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-42349825604303094822011-11-29T19:07:00.000-08:002011-11-29T19:32:01.786-08:00

Glendale: I get headaches more when I am tired or stressed or when it is sinus seasonDr Shaira response: These are very common statement for people with neuromuscular problems, TMJ disorders or TMDThe reason is that most headaches are primarily modulated by the trigeminal nerve. The lining of the sinuses is innervated by the trigeminal nerve so the addition of sinus irritation to and existing

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-49734064919401542962011-11-29T18:34:00.000-08:002011-11-29T19:53:38.407-08:00

Frank: What are the costs of treatment and is it covered by insurance? I have severely ground teeth. I clench a lot but mostly during day. 61 yrs old I do TMJ massage and that slightly helps. The headaches occur 4-10 times month. Headaches are inside my ears, above ears, in mouth and jaw and seem to sometimes be in the teeth and roof of mouth. I had whiplash injury. When I have atlas aligned

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-41581803211562310772011-11-27T12:01:00.000-08:002011-11-27T12:20:33.477-08:00

This new report in Headache. 2011 Nov 22 looks at differences between Chronic Migraine (More than 15 headache days/month) compared to Episodic Migraine (less than 15 headache days/month) The study found that "those with Chronic Migraine were significantly more likely to experience "severe" headache impact (72.9% vs 42.3%) and had higher odds of greater adverse headache impact compared with

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-70832610120449859162011-11-21T19:21:00.000-08:002011-11-21T19:30:51.882-08:00

Headaches and TMJ disorders usually have multiple symptoms. According to an article in Nov 2011 Neurologist these include the following symptoms: complaints of dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, imbalance, hearing complaints, and ear/eye pain.I firmly believe that the autonomic symptoms ot temporomandibular disorders must be addressed. A neuromuscular orthotic can alleviate many of the symptoms but

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-84808108956255882162011-11-21T19:09:00.000-08:002011-11-21T19:17:35.429-08:00

Cluster headaches is a primary neurovascular headache and is associated with autonomic symptoms. A sphenopalatineablation with radiofrequency is suggested in the following abstract. I disagree. If patients get relief from a sphenopalatine block of their cluster hedaches they will probably find intranasal prophylactic SPB blocks are also effective. An old study on SPG ablation at Mayo was

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-13003608057278738642011-11-21T18:52:00.000-08:002011-11-21T19:05:15.039-08:00

The pathophysiology or cause of almost all headaches, migraines, cluster headaches and tension-type headache involve the Trigeminal Nerve which can effectively be treated in mane headache sufferers through neuromuscular dentistry. Another pathway of relieving chronic headache pain is by utilizing a SPG or Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block which affects the autonomic nervous system and is readily

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-61185021607135782312011-11-21T18:39:00.000-08:002011-11-21T18:48:41.042-08:00

Anne: I've been getting migraine headaches for the past 15 or so years. I always have terrible nausea and vomiting. I have tried many many different things with no luck. I had a migraine yesterday where I vomited non-stop for 12+ hours. The migraines are typically on the right side behind my eye but this time I also noticed pain in my upper jaw.Dr Shapira response:Dear Anne,A diagnostic

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-32993426897470788872011-11-20T14:53:00.000-08:002011-11-20T15:15:04.855-08:00

A neuromuscular orthotic is used to correct occlusal discrepancies that can cause chronic daily headaches, migraines and tension-type headaches.The current study (abstract below) showed that 85% of patients with chronic daily headache has significant discrepancies between their occlusion and their ideal neuromuscular position.The majority of dentists treating TMJ disorders and chronic head and

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-60985235896430824822011-10-30T12:34:00.000-07:002011-10-30T12:48:38.868-07:00

Neuromuscular Dentistry and accupuncture bot work by restoring normal physiologic states to the body compared to drug treatments that can destroy chemical balance. The current study shows accupuncture to be superior to topiramate but of greater importance is the frequency of side effects. (abstract below)I will state that Neuromuscular Diagnostic orthotics almost always give better results than

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-5776856039002507402011-09-11T11:14:00.000-07:002011-09-11T11:43:05.488-07:00

IT HAS BECOME A COMMON BELIEF THAT THE KEY TO MIGRAINE TREATMENT IS TO EFFECT THE TRIGEMINAL NERVOUS SYSTEM BY CHANGING CHEMICAL ACTIONS ON RECEPTORS AS THE ARTICLE BELOW SHOWS. NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY PREVENTS AND TREATS MIGRAINES IN A SIMILAR MANNER BY CHANGING THE NEUROEXCITABILITY OF THE RECEPTORS AND CHANGING CHEMICALS PRODUCED IN THE BRAIN. TMJ disorders (TMD) have an extreme correlation

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-24708203262701175472011-08-22T14:42:00.001-07:002011-08-22T14:46:32.663-07:00

A new article in Cephalgia discusses the comorbidities of sleep and headache. It is well established that the two most commmon causes of "Morning Headache" are TMJ disorders and Sleep Apnea. There is an excellent paper fron the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute on the relation of these two disorders. The paper "CCARDIOVASCULAR AND SLEEP-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-13510540876860997252011-08-22T06:34:00.000-07:002011-08-22T14:45:02.681-07:00

A new article in Cephalgia discusses the comorbidities of sleep and headache. It is well established that the two most commmon causes of "Morning Headache" are TMJ disorders and Sleep Apnea. There is an excellent paper fron the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute on the relation of these two disorders. The paper "CCARDIOVASCULAR AND SLEEP-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-47029360171724512722011-07-16T13:39:00.000-07:002011-07-16T14:23:25.602-07:00

A recent study in Pain. 2011 Apr 21 looked at botulinum toxin type A for treatment of persistent myofascial TMD pain. Saline was used as the placebo-control in this double blind study. The crossover study examined 21 patients Myofascial TMD with inadequate pain control.The study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A for treatment of persistent myofascial TMD pain but

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-13962825119519517932011-06-13T06:25:00.000-07:002011-06-13T06:47:49.755-07:00

A recent article in HEADACHE (June 2011)"Migraine and Vestibular Symptoms-Identifying Clinical Features That Predict "Vestibular Migraine" looks at patients who have an overlap of vestibular symptoms, such as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, vertigo, balance disturbance and headache.The study showed just under half of the patients had onset of pain and vestibular symptoms together. This is

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-18921089388238645272011-06-07T11:57:00.000-07:002011-06-07T15:00:05.074-07:00

A new article "Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and the incidence of tinnitus." in the April 2011 Journal of Oral Rehabilitation showed that TMD and Headache were the two primary predictors of tinnitus. Tinnitus is a frequent symptom of TMJ disorders and is routinely considered to be related to TMD. There are many causes of tinnitus that are related to dentistry and posture.

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-79609449626474882612011-06-07T07:38:00.000-07:002011-06-07T11:56:21.809-07:00

THE PRIMARY INDICATION THAT THE TEETH, BITE AND TEMPOROMANDIBULAR APPARATUS are involved in headaches and migraines is the involvement ot the Trigeminal nerve in all of these disorders. The input to the trigeminal nerve can cause nociceptive nervous input which results in headaches, migraines and other autonomic and somatic symptoms.Neuromuscular Dentistry reduces the nociceptive input into the

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-87165080905681443132011-05-30T13:10:00.000-07:002011-05-30T13:18:44.970-07:00

POSTUROLOGY BRINGS TOGETHER OF OF THE GROUPS WHO WORK WITH MUSCLES, BONES, JOINTS, POSTURE, BITES, LEGS AND FEET. CHIROPRACTERS, OSTEOPATHS, DENTISTS, MASSAGE THERAPISTS, EXERCISE THERAPISTS AND OTHER THAT DO MANUAL BODY WORK MEET ON COMMON GROUND.WHAT MANY OF THESE OTHER SPECIALTIES MISS THAT IS WELL UNDERSTOOD BY NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTS IS THE IMPORTANCE OF AIRWAY AND BREATHING DURING WAKING

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-17253609066414268362011-05-30T07:53:00.000-07:002011-05-30T08:43:06.042-07:00

DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR PAIN RELIEF?I frequently receive requests for referrals from across the country for patients with severe pain problems. While I usually try to find a Neuromuscular Dentist close to where you live some patients need more a very experienced practioner. I have been treating chronic pain for over 34 years since graduating dental school. While in school I was a pain

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-16089981840855678342011-05-29T01:16:00.000-07:002011-05-29T01:47:13.126-07:00

THE JAW IS ESSENTIAL IN THE REGULATION OF NORMAL BODY POSTURE. THE SWALLOW SERVES AS A NEUROMUSCULAR RESETTING MECHANISM THAT CAN CORRECT OR CAUSE POSTURAL PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BODY. THERE ARE ONLY THREE MAJOR SET POINTS IN THE BODY FOR NEUROMUSCULARLY RESETTING POSTURE. ONE IS THE BITE WHEN WE SWALLOW APPROXIMATELY 2000 TIMES A DAY. THE SECOND IS OUR FEET /LEGS /HIPS WHEN WE STAND

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-60190656975763761132011-05-29T00:44:00.000-07:002011-05-29T01:12:45.192-07:00

An article (pubmed abstract below) in the Journal of Orofacial Pain. "Treatment of acute orofacial pain with lower cervical intramuscular bupivacaine injections: a 1-year retrospective review of 114 patients." dicusses the use of cevical intramuscular injections to turn off acute pain in the ER. The study showed that 94% of patients had complete of partial relief with injection of a long acting

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-65301457819306750172011-05-29T00:30:00.000-07:002011-05-29T00:40:12.728-07:00

DIANA: Hi, for the past 2 1/2 weeks, I am experiencing major headaches about every other day. They are always right in the center of my head and don't go away unless I take a strong Ibuprofen dosage. And sometimes come back a few hours later. Sometimes I don't get them until night time, but I have woken up with them occasionally. I suffer from migraines off an on ,but typically that would be

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-76427972392953505192011-05-28T15:16:00.000-07:002011-05-28T15:41:52.497-07:00

TMD (TMJ) is frequntly an undiagnosed cause of Headache and Facial Pain according to an article in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The article " Temporomandibular dysfunction: an often overlooked cause of chronic headaches. " is found in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2007 Oct;99(4):314-8. states that "many patients with the disorder are routinely mislabeled as experiencing chronic

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-49377458178404656522011-05-26T10:14:00.000-07:002011-05-26T14:46:25.884-07:00

There are many different kinds of Migraines and headaches. They all share the same basic features, a common pattern that is frequently seen with migraine is an initial dull ache that develops into a constant, throbbing and pulsating pain that can be experienced in the temples, front or back of one side (or both sides)of the head. The pain is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-37477271496309823382011-05-25T21:04:00.000-07:002011-05-25T21:14:41.637-07:00

TMJ disorders can cause sever migraines, facial pain, tension-type headaches as well as diverse symptoms like tinnitus, sinus pain and pressure, dizziness and neck pain. Patients frequently spend years looking for an answer to their pain. All patients with chronic head and neck pain should read "SUFFER NO MORE: DEALING WITH THE GREAT IMPOSTER" in Sleep and Health Journal. Don't suffer

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-26085771214586502682011-05-25T20:11:00.000-07:002011-05-25T20:32:09.967-07:00

Carolyn: Intense migrane headaches with jaw, neck, shoulder, face, sinues,eye and ear pain, also numb feeling on face. I had MRI's done of my head and neck and was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia, seeked Gamma Knife, was told I wasn't a canidate and to have an MRI of my neck, had that done, nothing showed up, then was told I had Trigeminal Neuropothy. I was diagnosed with TMJ a long time ago

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-55118805508574053982011-05-20T13:15:00.000-07:002011-05-20T13:34:51.366-07:00

A recent article on cervicogenic headaches published in Cranio (abstract below)titled "Effect of treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with cervicogenic headache: a single-blind, randomized controlled study." reports on treatment effectiveness being improved when the THJ component are also treated. Even more exciting is that long term improvement in the neck problems were

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-73147390147174092312011-05-20T12:21:00.000-07:002011-05-20T12:35:32.137-07:00

A recent article in "Headache" dated May 17, 2011 (see abstract below) discusses migraines and PTSD. It details how these types of problems are much more common in women and suggests a sex hormonal component to the pain. The statistics are very similar to what is found in MPD (Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction) and TMJ / TMD 9Temporomandibular Dysfunction). These are also found more frequently

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-30420166347803129892011-05-20T12:08:00.000-07:002011-05-20T12:21:00.497-07:00

A recent article in Cephalgia (see abstract below) focuses on the kynurenine family of compounds which are metabolites of tryptophan in treating migraines. The use of Neuromuscular Dentistry uses neural input to correct chemical imbalances in the Trigeminal Nervous System to treat and eliminate migraines and chronic daily headaches.The use of drugs to alter neurotransmitters has been shown to be

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-51236894984184995102011-04-11T19:36:00.000-07:002011-04-11T19:49:54.182-07:00

Angie: i was diagnosed with tmj maybe 20 years or so ago. i wear a "dentist fitted" night guard every night since the tmj diagnosis. i am experiencing extremely severe headaches and also suffer from migraines but these severe headaches are totally different from a migraine. i have even used migraine medications but these have yet to come close to helping with these severe headaches. could the

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-38744235678714595692011-04-10T15:03:00.000-07:002011-04-10T16:01:10.567-07:00

I have been practicing Neuromuscular Dentistry in Gurnee since 1984. My Partner, Dr Mark Amidei has an additional 20 years experience in Neuromuscular Dentistry. In addition to treating, eliminating and/or preventing headaches and migraines Neuromuscular Dentistry is excellent for treating TMJ disorders (TMD) and also for creating neck stability.I frequently work with chiropracters and the

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-14544444824600083672011-04-10T12:57:00.000-07:002011-04-10T14:04:44.091-07:00

A total of 34 studies were reviewed in this paper. Chronic Daily Headache (CDH) and Chronic Daily Headache with Medication Overuse (MOH) consistently created a lower quality of life. The Cephagia Article "Quality of life impairment, disability and economic burden associated with chronic daily headache, focusing on chronic migraine with or without medication overuse: A systematic review."

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-9628963706153891692011-04-09T09:18:00.000-07:002011-04-09T09:49:15.618-07:00

PATIENTS LIVING WITH TMJ DISORDERS, CHIROPRACTIC DISORDERS, HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES are alll suffering from the same underlying disorders. It is well recognized that it is impossible to achieve long term successful treatment without addressing both the dental, TMJ and Trigeminal components in conjunction with with the Chiropractic aspects of care. Atlas Orthoganal Chiropractic or NUCCA

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-91377613385913349902011-04-08T21:51:00.000-07:002011-04-08T22:00:26.116-07:00

The real beauty of Neuromuscular Dentistry in the treatment and prevention of headaches and TMJ disorders is the simplicity of treatment.The aim of treatment is to 1. Relax the jaw muscles to their physiologic healthiest state2. Correct the occlusion so that muscle will return to their healthiest state after function by establishing a healthy neuromuscular path of closure to a stable occlusal

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-55255481099825649712011-04-07T19:54:00.000-07:002011-04-07T20:30:22.414-07:00

The Journal of Neuroscience (J Neurosci. 2011 Feb 9;31(6):1937-43) recently published an article titled "Trigeminal nociceptive transmission in migraineurs predicts migraine attacks"I have long advocated that the majority of Migraines and Tension-Type headaches are actually input-output errors. Nociceptive information entering the Trigeminovascular system are the pathology that triggers

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-8088834434926617032011-04-03T09:39:00.000-07:002011-04-03T20:06:30.544-07:00

I have found that trigger point injections are extremely effective in reducing tension-type headaches and frequently can completely eliminate them when combined with a neuromuscular orthotic. This current study from the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation shows high-power ultrasound as effective as trigger point injections in treating the Trapezius muscle. The Trapezius muscle is a

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-66443049956065748322011-04-02T13:20:00.000-07:002011-04-08T21:28:56.284-07:00

NEUROMUSCULAR DENTAL INSTITUTE: ANNOUNCING A NEW NEUROMUSCULAR DENTAL TRAINING INSTITUTE IN CHICAGO AREA. TMJ patients in Chicago will benefit from the combined expertise of Neuromuscular Clinicians. Treatment of Migraines, Chronic Daily Headache, TMJ, SUNCT, TMD, Tension Type Headaches, Facial Pain and Sleep DisordersTreating patients with Migraines, Chronic Daily Headaches, Tension-Type

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-63824965393424275002011-03-21T13:31:00.000-07:002011-03-21T13:48:55.569-07:00

Melanie: I have had root canals, anti seizure meds I could not tolerate, and on 12/30/10 I had MVD brain surgery. I still have pain and shocks in my facial area, teeth, ears and the back of my head (cannot lay down). Am currently seeing a doctor that is giving me occipital nerve block injections. Just saw the doctor at Duke who did the MVD surgery and he admitted that his surgery did not fix the

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-86815944044359892462011-03-14T21:44:00.000-07:002011-03-14T22:10:53.145-07:00

The answer to all of the above is no. There is no specialty in treatmrnt of TMJ disorders (TMD). Specialties are decided by the American Dental Society and individual state laws. There are however many trained Neuromuscular Dentists who devote a major part of their practice to treating TMJ patients, chronic pain patients, headache patients etc. Neuromuscular Dentistry is unique in that it uses

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-75633164334394582422011-03-13T13:22:00.000-07:002011-03-13T13:37:30.999-07:00

ICCMO, THE INTERNATIONAL COLLGE OF CRANIO MANDIBULAR ORTHOPEDICS IS THE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS THE ART AND SCIENCE OF NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY. DR BARNEY JANKELSON THE FATHER OF NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY IS ALSO A FOUNDER OF ICCMO.NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY UTILIZES SOPHISTICATED INSTRUMENTATION TO ASSESS AND CORRECT THE PHYSIOLOGIC POSITIONING OF THE JAWS, MUSCLES, OCCLUSION AND POSTURE TO

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-35467279326309748592011-03-13T13:09:00.000-07:002011-03-14T21:42:52.766-07:00

A PRIMARY DIAGNOSTIC FINDING IN TMJ, TMD, TMJ DISORDERS IS MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS. THEY ARE FREQUENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH FORWARD HEAD POSTURE A COmMON FINDING IN TMJ PATIENTS. A 2006 ARTICLE "Myofascial trigger points and their relationship to headache clinical parameters in chronic tension-type headache." IN HEADACHE JOURNAL CLEARLY DESCRIBES HOW TRIGGER POINT IN "upper trapezius,

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-17005160039715955712011-03-13T12:20:00.000-07:002011-03-13T13:08:21.173-07:00

TREATMENT OF TMD, TMJ DISORDERS, TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE HAVE WIDE AREAS OF OVERLAP. THIS OVERLAP IS IN SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES BUT MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS ARE A MAJOR SOURCE OF PAIN.NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY IS VERY SUCCESSFUL AT TREATING TMJ, TMD AND MYOFASCIAL PAIN DISORDERS OF THE HEAD AND NECK. PATIENTS WHO DO NOT WANT LONG TERM DRUG THERAPY SHOULD CONSIDER THE NEUROMUSCULAR

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-9165256522347571192011-03-10T07:43:00.000-08:002011-03-10T19:12:21.825-08:00

ICCMO IS AN ACRONYM THAT STANDS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR ORTHOPEDICS. WHEN LOOKING FOR A NEUROMUSCULAR DENTIST IT IS VITAL TO FIND A MEMBER OF ICCMO IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. WHILE THERE ARE OTHER GROUPS AND COURSES THAT BOTH TEACH AND UTILIZE NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY TECHNIQUES ONLY ICCMO IS DEDICATED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY AND THE RELATED PHYSIOLOGIC

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-14832352806439764282011-03-07T19:30:00.000-08:002011-03-07T19:55:28.591-08:00

THIS NEW ARTICLE SHOWS THAT ALL TYPES OF HEADACHES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH TMD . THE ABSTRACT OF "Temporomandibular Disorders are Differentially Associated With Headache Diagnoses: A Controlled Study." IS REPRINTED BELOW. WHILE IT IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED THAT TENSION HEADACHES, EPISODIC TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES ARE COMMONLY CAUSED BY SORE MUSCLES IN TMD PATIENTS IT IS ACTUALLY THE CHRONIC NATURE OF TMD

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-6001274868528652482011-03-07T18:58:00.000-08:002011-03-07T19:10:27.777-08:00

NORMA: I have had headaches everyday for over two years. Took migraine medications, no help, chiro,no goo, needles in neck for pain, no good,ct scans, nose,ear and throat doctor no help, had a stress test on heart noblockage,I had been taking thyroid medication for ten years and they took me off of it and checked later and said ok but now my thryoid test can back a litle low so taking snythroid

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-11645907805352535912011-03-05T07:05:00.000-08:002011-03-05T07:22:28.992-08:00

TMJ disorders and headaches are closely related. There are distinct differences in underlying structural differences in patients who experience Tension-Type Headaches and Migraine.The pain can be primarily related to cervical and cranial musculature but can also be secondary to postural distortions that effect the central nervous system.Bent Face Syndrome is caused by orthopedic displacement of

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-59720443886049809572011-02-10T09:54:00.000-08:002011-02-14T14:55:15.713-08:00

The BBC news reproted that experts say there is "limited evidence" for using botox to treat migraine.Botox has been licensed in the UK and US as a preventative treatment for chronic cases.The BBC reprted that "But a review of evidence by the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin said it could not "see a place" for giving botox to migraine sufferers."

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-14025091617844582162011-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:002011-02-05T16:20:15.639-08:00

Studies have shown that hypermobility syndrome is associated with chronic headache disorders. This new study shows that 75% of study group with the syndrome had migraines compared to only 43% of controls.Patients with Chronic Daily Headaches, Migraines, Tension-type headaches, myofascial pain and associated headaches, atypical migaine, classic migraine almost always are headaches related to the

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-28697440400071139822011-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:002011-02-05T13:15:57.910-08:00

Ruby: Headache in right temple. Throbbing in teeth and tm joint. Neck pain. Had a splint put in 10 days ago. Went for Pt, massage, chiro and today pain management dr who I didn't like much and jumped to wanting to do a nerve block. Just trying to find the right person to treat me. Chronic grinder, had crowns put on all uppers and didn't make night guard fast enough. Tmj dentist only does splints

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-86969618184982441282011-02-02T06:42:00.000-08:002011-02-02T06:54:41.518-08:00

Amitryptilne is frequently prescribed for treating chronic pain including tension-type headaches, TMJ disorders and fibromyalgia. It is also used to treat mild insomnia and mild sleep apnea. The drug is classified as a tri-cyclic antidepressant but is frequently used off label in low dose therapy.The authors concluded that Amytriptiline increasesAHI or apnea /hypopnea index. This is an

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-54039753542793743232011-02-01T19:59:00.000-08:002011-02-01T20:37:29.322-08:00

Neuromuscular Dentistry can give incredible relief of headaches, TMJ symptoms migraines and numerous other chronic pain disorders. It is important to chose your Neuromuscular Dentist wisely. The International College of CranioMandibular Disorders is dedicated to the field of Neuromuscular Dentistry. It was founded by Dr Barney Jankelson the father of Neuromuscular Dentistry and all the great

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-72310883256848160762011-02-01T19:41:00.000-08:002011-02-01T19:57:25.838-08:00

TENSION-TYPE Headaches in the temples are positively correlated to TMD dysfunction. This correlation extends to all of the various TMJ symptoms.It has long been known that headaches are almost a universal symptom of TMJ disorders. Treatment of TMJ disorders usually leads to significant reduction in headache pain. Neuromuscular Dentistry should always be considered diagnostic work-up of

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-22263811459470297072011-01-30T08:27:00.000-08:002011-01-30T09:55:46.195-08:00

A recent study (pubmed abstract below) in the Journal Cephalgia showed that "Less than 15% of subjects received more than one triptan product in the 2 years." Triptans which are very successful for a small percentage of patients are not a panacea. The reasons for discontinuation may be numerous. I suspect that many patients treated for "migraines" of various types actually have headaches (

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-68090423844120450832011-01-29T20:11:00.002-08:002011-01-29T21:07:46.326-08:00

Neuromuscular Dentistry may be one of the most effective treatments for a wide variety of conditions including various types of "migraine", tension-type headaches, facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, TMJ disorders, myofascial ain and muscular and neurogenic headaches. Drugs do not cure the underlying problems that cause the problems and frequently their mechanism of action is unknown. Many drugs

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-38420673130619210262011-01-29T20:11:00.001-08:002011-01-29T20:11:59.087-08:00

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-74275385141809290472011-01-28T06:45:00.000-08:002011-01-28T08:24:15.414-08:00

David: I have had continous Headaches for 3-4 months now. sides and back of head mainly. Earache and eye ache as wellDr Shapira: David, you have given me only minimal infformation on what treatment you have received or any special circumstances when the pain started. The good news is the symptoms you describe indicate that you probably have headaches of muscular orgins. Tension-Type

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-26735958369693770632011-01-24T19:06:00.000-08:002011-01-24T19:15:58.237-08:00

DEBBIE: i have had a headache non stop for 21 months. i need help now!!!!!!The doctdors can not tell me what is causing thsi, they just keep giving me drugs.DR SHAPIRA RESPONSE: Debbie, I frequently hear stories like yours. The fact that the physicians cannot find a cause is good news. It means there isn't a brain tumor or similar organic disorder. The majority of headaches are neuromuscular

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-52852412861684829892011-01-20T18:31:00.000-08:002011-01-20T18:52:54.996-08:00

I recently received a e-mail from a patient with the following complaint:intense jaw pain on left side, swollen jaw and cheek, no dental issues per dentist and endodontist...tmj or trigeminal neuralgia?The question TMJ or Trigeminal Neuralgia is very limited. 95% of all pain that patients experience is muscle pain. Many patients have severe or even excruciating pain but their TM Joints are

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-90496512754127857452010-12-29T20:03:00.000-08:002010-12-29T20:14:26.800-08:00

This website is all about utilizing neuromuscular dentistry to treat and prevent migraines and tension type headaches. I invite you to roam the site and follow the links to learn how the teeth, jaws and jaw muscles along with the trigeminal nerve are partially or completely connected to chronic pain. Neuromuscular dentistry can help a wide variety of chronic pains, treat sleep apnea and snoring

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-77384494721144802132010-12-28T08:57:00.000-08:002010-12-28T10:39:38.189-08:00

The utilization of using Neuromuscular orthotics to treat or eliminate migraines, tension-type headaches and chronic sinus and facial pain is well established. The correction of postural distortion is also well documentd however the treatment of movement disorders has been primarily anectdotal.That is beginning to change, the correction of oral and pharyngeal reflexes combined into neuromuscular

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-82850819049689853302010-12-12T17:55:00.000-08:002010-12-12T20:01:55.489-08:00

A new article "Pure tension-type headache versus tension-type headache in the migraineur." in Curr Pain Headache Rep. 201:465-9.0 Dec;14(6) (PubMed abstract below) looks at primary headache disorders. What is most interesting is that they state that differential diagnosis is made difficult to the frequent presence of co-morbidities including temporomandibular disorders and myofascial pain.I

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-90857296210916517052010-12-05T10:01:00.000-08:002010-12-05T10:16:49.090-08:00

A recent article (Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010 Dec;91(12):1884-90.) showed changes in neck function when pain was present. Neck pain is one of the most frequently helped conditions during neuromuscular treatment of TMD disorders. If treating the pain can return normal function this would be an incredible finding. The article concludes "Velocity and smoothness of cervical motion were more

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-77427009620446722442010-11-25T01:51:00.000-08:002010-11-25T02:45:26.386-08:00

THERE IS NO SINGLE "BEST TREATMENT" FOR TMJ BECAUSE TMJ IS NO A SINGLE DISEASE OR PROBLEM. TMJ actually stands for TemporoMandibular Joint and it is a joint not a disease. Everyone has two TM Joints. TMD stands for TemporoMandibular Dysfunction but it is also a general term.The following should help guide patients in finding the "right " doctor.To receive the "Best TMJ Treatment" it is first

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-18375183270755916482010-11-25T01:38:00.000-08:002010-11-25T01:48:24.415-08:00

JEFF: I have an oral device (sonomed) for sleep apnea. It gave me TMJ. I haven't been able to tolerate cpap.Dr Shapira: YOU STATE THAT YOU HAVE A SOMNOMED TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA BECAUSE YOU CANNOT TOLERATE CPAP.It is excellent that you have chosen to treat the sleep apnea which can cause heart attacks, strokes, memory loss and excessive daytime sleepiness. Morning Headaches and headaches that wake

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-21444868615998928292010-11-15T04:45:00.000-08:002010-11-15T05:08:12.558-08:00

I have frequently discussed the relation between headache, TMD and central sensitization. The trigeminal nerve is a frequent culprit in development of central sensitization which is why neuromuscular dentistry can be such an effective treatment. Decreases in nociceptive input from the trigeminal nerve can allow reversal of a sensitized state. A new article in Pain "Pain." 2010 Oct 18. "Central

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-33298327139828907372010-11-15T04:04:00.000-08:002010-11-15T04:43:49.507-08:00

All patients with cluster headaches that have onset during sleep should be evaluated for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes hypoxia (drop in oxygen) and a rise in CO2. Oxygen therapy is a recognized and effective treatment for sleep apnea. Prevention of many cluster headaches can be addressed by correcting sleep problems. During apneic events the patients quit breathing oxygen drops followed by

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-73396483068466442272010-11-07T12:26:00.000-08:002010-11-07T12:45:19.715-08:00

An older study in the Laryngescope is on 104 patients with facial pain who had normal CT scans. Twenty nine of the patients had previous unsuccessful sinus surgery. The patients were approximately 80% women, TMJ disorders are usually (80%) found in female patients. The study showed " Four percent of patients seen by a neurologist had an unsuspected serious intracranial diagnosis." It is

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-41429012499618731192010-10-02T20:25:00.000-07:002010-10-02T20:34:31.606-07:00

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE BLOG ENTRY TO UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIPS OF THESE DISORDERS. ALMOST ALL TREATMENT OF HEADACHES MUST CONSIDER THE MASTICATORY SYSTEM.A new study "Effect of CPAP treatment on residual depressive symptoms in patients with major depression and coexisting sleep apnea: Contribution of daytime sleepiness to residual depressive symptoms." (see abstract below) suggests that

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-39442350378387099982010-09-29T12:20:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:16:54.256-07:00

I just had a patient in the office who we did a spenopaltine block on 1 week ago with major relief of shoulder pain (I was not treating) and reduction of tinnitus and droopy eyelids that we were sleeping. My patients chief complaint is swallowing problems that were better almost immediately after the SPG block I have seen patients with severe insomnia sleep well without medications, other

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-72706616851562034152010-09-29T08:21:00.000-07:002010-09-29T11:35:22.707-07:00

Rachel: I have on going headaches since June. They are in the back area of the head and I usually have them for 1 day and half. Most of the time I end up throwing up Dr Shapira response: Dear Rachel, I assume that you have visited you physician to discuss your headaches due to the dramatic change. If nothing is found medically occipital headaches are frequently helped by a neuromuscular

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-12996532445079879372010-09-29T06:54:00.000-07:002010-09-29T07:51:45.507-07:00

An interesting study from the Archives of Internal Medicine (abstract below)reports that 1one in six patients percieve that their doctors have made wrong diagnosis. The study reported "Patients with chronic back pain, higher educational attainment, and poor physical health were at increased odds of perceiving mistakes". This leads to two questions, were there actual mistakes in diagnosis and

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-68983119785123272972010-09-27T14:52:00.000-07:002010-09-27T15:12:35.960-07:00

Chronic headaches without a cause are frequently related to the Trigeminal nervous system and have no specific diagnosis. When headaches are not helped by routine medical care a neuromuscular dentist may be the best answer. Question from Tiffany: I have been having headaches everyday now for about a year and 9 months now. Had no accidents or head trama btu i have headaches everyday ..No meds

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-85284323277534293922010-09-26T15:01:00.000-07:002010-09-26T15:30:20.803-07:00

THE ANSWER TO THIS HAS TO DO WITH HOW PHYSICIANS ARE GENERALLY TRAINED AND THE FACT THEY ARE COMFORTABLE REFERRING TO OTHER PHYSICIANS. DENTISTS ARE USUALLY OUTSIDE THE TYPICAL REFERRAL PATTERNS FOR PHYSICIANS.A SECOND REASON IS MANAGED CARE. PHYSICIANS ARE FREQUENTLY FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR COSTS OF REFERRALS THEY MAKE AND DO NOT WANT TO BE STUCK WITH A LARGE BILL (OR DECREASE IN PAYMENTS)

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-33115039094475650512010-09-24T07:50:00.000-07:002010-09-24T07:58:54.133-07:00

The importance of this study though extremely limited is that it explains why understanding Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction is essential when chronic pain problems including neck pain, headache and TMD disorders. In this study a single injection in the trapezius muscle (shoulder) gave significant reduction in pain in the masseter region along with reduction in EMG values.There are hundreds of

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-16873239801584041922010-09-24T07:36:00.000-07:002010-09-24T07:44:10.439-07:00

Swallowing disorders are frequently associated with TMJ disorders. Abnormal breathing patterns are also associated with both TMJ disorders and Sleep apnea and snoring. This new study "The mandible advancement may alter the coordination between breathing and the non-nutritive swallowing reflex." in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation (see abstract below) concludes "that mandible re-positioning

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-32181148932595572422010-09-24T06:33:00.000-07:002010-09-24T06:53:50.643-07:00

A new article in Practical Pain Management "Head and Neck: Kinetic Chain from the Toes Influences the Craniofacial Region " discusses the kinetic chain and how what happens in the body effects the craniofacial region and how jaw problems, bite stability and joint stability influences the entire body as well. These postural changes are a major cause of Tension-type headaches, neck pain and other

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-25664849367008311892010-09-23T12:52:00.000-07:002010-09-23T13:05:22.911-07:00

Orville : I have suffered with episodic cluster migraines for years they usually come every other fall. the only thing that has helped me besides oxygen is zomig but I have to take more than the manufacturer recomends. What are the possible complications associated with Glycerol facial injections Dr Shapira response: Glycerol injections are usually safe and effective but can have advers

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-81519647536993090792010-09-23T07:52:00.000-07:002010-09-23T08:12:03.676-07:00

A recent study in Sleep Med on altered Cortical Excitability in sleep apnea concluded that " This TMS-based study suggests that untreated severe OSAS patients have imbalanced cortical excitabilities that enhanced inhibition or decreased brain excitability when awake during the day." This may be a major cause of chronic headaches or migraines or other biochemical imbalances leading to stress

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-1497880110006935092010-09-23T07:17:00.000-07:002010-09-23T07:22:10.057-07:00

Heeadaches related to the trigeminal nerves and jaw function frequently have all of those qualities. This relates to the vascular, hemodynamic and autonomic functions of the trigeminal nerve. Neuromuscular dentistry can frequently allieve and eliminate these sypmtoms as well as the more common tender, aching, and penetrating headaches. Painful TM Joint symptoms may or may not be present.

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-5430485019043082572010-09-23T06:57:00.000-07:002010-09-23T07:06:00.162-07:00

Question rrom Phil Bohnert, MD How about ortho-molecular treatments? Reply: Orthomolecular Medicine is a term originally coined by Linus Pauling one of the greatest minds of the last century. It is medicine that idealizes the health of the total individual by correcting or optimizing the nutritional and biochemical stautus of the body.Neuromuscular Dentistry is a form of orthomolecular

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-72714422890235191602010-08-22T13:50:00.000-07:002010-08-22T13:56:54.619-07:00

Neuromuscular Dentistry treats TMJ disorders by correcting the underlying problems rather than just treating the symptoms. The old fashioned mechanical approach to TMD treatment only addresses the current symptoms. Long term correction of chronic headaches, joint pain and muscle pain is actually the result of healing when underlying pathology is eliminated. Neuromuscular Dentistry is the best

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-22343056982173609492010-08-16T12:41:00.000-07:002010-08-16T14:00:47.500-07:00

Question from ELMA: What is the correlation between the removal of the third molar and migraine headaches? I have permanent paresthesia on the lower left lip and chin. This occured in 1987 and I never suffered with headaches or sinus problems until the surgery. I remember hearing the dentist asking his assistant "What is that?" once he extracted that particular tooth. Dr Shapira Response: Dear

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-13165102072357540462010-08-16T07:25:00.000-07:002010-08-16T07:37:12.095-07:00

KEN:I Have had headaches for 30 years going away only once when having a root canal done on an upper tooth. While everything was numbed up I had complete brain function and no headache. They are located directly behind my nose area and I feel a constant pressure.Dr Shapira response: The anaesthetic relieved the pain probably confirming that it is from the trigeminal nerve. I would be very

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-66567778433105097812010-07-30T14:19:00.000-07:002010-08-02T18:51:06.000-07:00

A recent article in the Journal of Orofacial Pain identifies Migraine as the most frequent primary headache in patients with temporomandibular disorders. The majority of migraines are actually trigeminally moderated and it is no surprise that they would be common. Tension type headaches were the second most common headache. Headaches occured in 45.6 % of control group and 85.5 % of TMD

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-79569451699874632292010-07-20T16:30:00.000-07:002010-07-20T16:41:30.737-07:00

A new study "Patterns of use of peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections among headache practitioners in the USA: Results of the American Headache Society Interventional Procedure Survey (AHS-IPS)" in Headache found widespread use of trigger point injections and nerve blocks it headache treatment. Many Neuromuscular dentists have a great deal of expertise in the utilization of these

Dr Shapirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04729350412439193373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649931401386726988.post-56121976849063851342010-07-17T21:32:00.000-07:002010-07-17T22:35:29.131-07:00

An article in Headache "Implanted auriculotemporal nerve stimulator for the treatment of refractory chronic migraine' (see abstract below) reports on a case of refractory headache with phonopobia treated by implanted peripheral nerve stimulators. Treatment reduced but did not eliminate the patients pain. The authors chose to only treat only a single branch of the mandibular nerve and did not

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From Vicki:I have right sided pain in the occipital region and frontal area. Continuous pulsation with buzzing in my ear. I am Nauseated, and have right sided facial numbness and tingling.Dr Shapira response:I always suggest patients with numbness in the face have a neurological work-up and patients with ear problems be evaluated by an ENT. Having said that I frequently see patients with

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A new article "Increased Prevalence of Sleep Disorders in Chronic Headache: A Case-Control Study" in the June 2010 issue of Headache addresses this issue. The article (pubmed abstract below) concludes that "Patients with chronic headache had a high prevalence of sleep complaints. Insomnia may thus represent an independent risk factor for headache chronification. Recognition of sleep disorders,

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Patient: I Wake up with sinus type headache and pressure around eyes.This is a frequent area for patients to have referred pain from both jaw muscles and neck muscles. It is frequently secondary to clenching or grinding of the teeth. Another common cause for morning headaches is sleep apnea.

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QUESTION: My fiance has been having these headaches (her doctor thinks they are cluster headaches) for months now. The headaches are intense and always have the same focal point in the front left part of her head. She also has chronic neck pain and has been diagnosed with TMJD.DR SHAPIRA: I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND HAVING AN EVALUATION WITH A TRAINED NEUROMUSCULAR DENTIST. THAT IS A COMMON

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Dr Barney Jankelson was a Seattle prosthodontist who was the first dentist to look at correcting the underlying muscle physiology when treating patients with chronic pain problems. Like ll great men he entered unchartered territory and the initial response of the dental community was to attack his theories even though they were founded on basic physiological priciples. The real reason for the

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Cathy Jo: Can an MRI with intravenous dye show different results than an MRI without dye. I have suffered from migraine headaches since the age of 5 (I am currently 42) and currently on disability because of the severity of my migraines. I did sustain an injury at the age of 5 and may have injuried my neck according to my mother. I do strongly believe this is the origin of my migraines, but an

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Cluster Headaches are a type of primary headache that frequently occur at night and are characterize by autonomic phenomena and bouts of severe unilateral head pain. Spenopalatine Ganglion blocks are frequently used by neuromuscular dentists as an adjunct procedure in treating a multitue of painful conditions. A popular book "Miracles on Park Avenue: Technique for Treating Arthritis and Other

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NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY is an exciting field not only about teeth, jaws and jaw joints but intimately involved with neurology, orthopedics, rehabilitative medicine, physiatry otolaryngology and osteopathic medicine. Patients who can benefit from Neuromuscular Dentistry cover almost every field of medicine. Headaches are especially well suited to treatment by Neuromuscular Dental proceedures. A

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To understand Neuromuscular Dentistry you need to recognize the difference between ideal health,absence of overt disease and the presence of TMD symptoms including Migraines, Tension Type Headaches, Chronic Daily Headaches, Facial Pain, Sinus Pain and/or sinus headaches, temporal headaches, morning heaaches and hundreds of other symptoms of TMD (temporomandibular disorders).We all recognize when

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Patients with posture problems and chronic pain may benefit tremendously from a diagnostic neuromuscular orthotic. There are two main causes of forward head posture more accurately referred to as forward neck posture with cranial rotation at C1 and C2 or the Atlas and Axis. The first reason is that the jaw acts as a counterbalance to the head through a complicated series of connections. In

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Reprint of 24/7 press release below:"Quality of life is destroyed when you live with chronic pain. Migraines, chronic daily headaches and other chronic head and neck pain can frequently be eliminated through the science of Neuromuscular Dentistry and Trigeminal Nervous system relief."URNEE, IL, June 02, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A recent patient who suffered a constant headache for over 50 years

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Comment from Kathy, 20 year history of pain in forehead, nose and all upper teeth. Very debilitating. Multiple doctors, multiple treatments.....no reliefDr Shapira response:Dear Kathy,The pain you describe follows the innervation of the trigeminal nerve. It sounds like you are an excellent canidate for an evaluation and probably a diagnostic orthotic. It is always necessary to have a complete

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