TMJ Disorders, Headaches, Migraines treated in Dr Ira Shapira's new Highland Park, Illinois office.

I have been treating TMJ Disorders  and associated tension headaches, chronic daily headaches and migraines for over 30 years in my Gurnee office.  My new office at 3500 Western Ave in Highland Park will be dedicated to the treatment of chronic pain and sleep disorders.

I have been practicing and teaching the art and science of Neuromuscular Dentistry and Sleep Disorder Dentistry long before it became well known.

Doing research at Rush MedicalSchool in the mid 1980's I discovered the physiologic similarities in the bires of patients with sleep apnea and TMD.

While I will continue my general practice in Gurnee the new office will be dedicated to treatment and elimination of pain and sleep disorders.  The DNA Appliance and Epigenetic Orthodontics actually offer an non-surgical cure for obstructive sleep apnea.

The new office website is still under construction but is www.thinkbetterlife.com.

This name was chosen to because the goal of our treatment is to offer solutions that lead to a better life.  The location in Highland Park  will make it easier for my Chicago patients to visit as it is across the street from the Fort Sheridan Metra Station.

I will announce the Grand Opening Soon

Thank You Dr Ira L Shapira

TREATMENT OF TRIGEMINAL AUTONOMIC CEPHALGIAS: NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY ALTERNATIVE TO IMPLANTED SUPRAORBITAL/SUPRATROCHLEAR NEUROMODULATION

A recent article in neuromodulation is a case study of five patients with implanted neuromodulators. The good news is that there is hope when all other treatments failures but there can be numerous complications as noted in pubmed abstract that follows. The devices must be removed for diagnostic MRI. Some patients required multiple applications but the systems were effective in major pain relief and reduction or elimination of opiod use.

Neuromuscular Dentistry offers a less invasive and frequently extremely effective alternative treatment. A diagnostic neuromuscular orthotic is retained by the lower teeth and alters the input to the trigeminal nervous system. The trigeminal nervous system acts as an input/output for our brain. Approximately 50 % of all brain input comes from the periodontal ligaments and the muscles of the trigeminal nervous system. Neuromuscular dentistry does utilize the use of a nonimplanted neuromuscular stimulator in the form of ULF TENS. This allows relaxation of trigeminally innervated muscles and the autonomic system follows suit. In computer lingo these headaches are I/O errors or input output erros. GARBAGE IN- GARBAGE OUT IS BAD INFO INTO COMPUTER GIVES BAD OUTPUT. Nociceptive inputs are eliminated with the diagnostic orthotic and stabilized. SPG (Sphenopalatine Ganglion blocks) Blocks are frequently used in combination with a neuromuscular orthotic when there is not rapid relief of all symptoms.

The beauty of the SPG Block is that it can be easily performed by patients to prevent episodes and does not require opiods or dangerous neurologic medications but utilizes lidocaine and administered by a hollow cotton swab.

I propose that a neuromuscular diagnostic orthotic should be considered a first linr treatment priot to invasive procedures. A sleep study should be used to rule out obstructive sleep apnea, hypopnea, UARS (upper airway resistance syndrome) and RERAs or respiratory related arousals that are frequently present in these patients and associated with their disorders.

PUBMED ABSTRACT:

Neuromodulation. 2012 May 2. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1403.2012.00455.x. [Epub ahead of print]

The Treatment of Medically Intractable Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia With Supraorbital/Supratrochlear Stimulation: A Retrospective Case Series.

Vaisman J, Markley H, Ordia J, Deer T.

Source

Pain and Wellness Center, Peabody, MA, USA; New England Regional Headache Center, Worcester, MA, USA; and The Center for Pain Relief, Charleston, WV, USA.

Abstract

Introduction:  This is a retrospective case series of five patients with intractable trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC) who were implanted with a supraorbital/supratrochlear neuromodulation system. Objectives:  The aim of this Institutional Review Board-approved study was to investigate the percentage of pain relief, treatment response, pain level, work status, medication intake, implantation technique, lead placement, programming information, and device use. Results:  Trial stimulation led to implantation of all five patients. All patients reported improvement in their functional status in regard to activities of daily living. The device was revised in two patients due to skin erosion. It was later reimplanted in both patients due to worsening of symptoms, again with good pain relief. The device was explanted in two other patients because of the need to perform a magnetic resonance imaging or implant an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The follow-up of the patients ranged between 18 months and 36 months, with a mean of 25.2 months. There was no change in work status. Following the implant, the Visual Analog Scale score was reduced to a mean of 1.6 from an initial mean score of 8.9. Three patients were completely weaned off opioid medications, while two patients continued to take opioid at a lower dosage. All patients experienced a decrease of the adjuvant neuropathic drugs. Conclusion:  Supraorbital/supratrochlear nervestimulation appears to be a promising modality for the treatment of patients with intractable TAC.

© 2012 International Neuromodulation Society.

PMID:

22551506

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Tinnitus: The TMJ (TMD) and Headache Connection. Can we predict and prevent tinnitus?

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.

The medial pterygoid muscle and the tensor of the ear drum (tensor veli tympani) have a common trigeminal nerve root. They are embryologically the same muscle that splits in two as the embryo develops into a fetus. Tinnitus is frequently triggered by palpating the medial pterygoid muscle which is also implicated in sleep apnea, a common finding in TMJ disorders.

The Sterncleidomastoid muscle can also have trigger points that cause both tinnitus, vertigo and feelings of loss of equilibrium.

The study analysed 3134 subjects Among the 191 exposed subjects with palpation pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ),24 or 12.6% over a five year period later developed tinnitus. Only 124 of the entire group developed tinnitus or 5.8% so there was a 7.7% increased risk in the group with palpation pain.

This study certainly shows that not treating TMD problems can lead to future problems. What is remarkable is that they only looked at one possible TMD symptom, if they had expanded this study to other TMD symptoms they probably would have found a much larger increased risk of developing tinnitus.

When a neuromuscular Dental orthotic is used to begin treatment of a TMD problem it is not unusual to see rapid elimination of tinnitus when there are other symptoms of TMD such as headache, sinus pain, muscle soreness or trigger points etc. Patients who present with tinnitus as a single symptom do not always respond as well as patients with multiple symptoms.

I strongly Rx starting treatment for all tinnitus patients with a neuromuscular orthotic after ruling out organic disease.

J Oral Rehabil. 2011 Apr 23. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2842.2011.02224.x. [Epub ahead of print]
Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and the incidence of tinnitus.
Bernhardt O, Mundt T, Welk A, Köppl N, Kocher T, Meyer G, Schwahn C.
SourceDepartment of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology and Endodontology, Center of Oral Health, University of Greifswald Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Biomaterials, Center of Oral Health, University of Greifswald Unit of Periodontology, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology and Endodontology, Center of Oral Health, University of Greifswald Statistical Department, Center of Oral Health, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.

Abstract
Summary  In a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP 0), temporomandibular disorders (TMD) were the strongest predictors for tinnitus beside headache. The aim of this study was to investigate whether signs and symptoms of TMD can be identified as risk factors for developing tinnitus. The SHIP 1 is a population-based 5-year longitudinal study intended to systematically describe the prevalence of and risk factors for diseases common in the population of Pomerania in northern Germany. A total of 3300 subjects (76% response) were reevaluated after 5 years for tinnitus and signs and symptoms of TMD using the same questionnaires and examination tools as baseline. To estimate the relative risk (RR) appropriately, a modified Poisson regression was used. After exclusion of prevalent cases with diagnosed tinnitus, 3134 subjects were analysed. Among the 191 exposed subjects with palpation pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), 24 subjects (12·6%) received diagnosed tinnitus after 5 years, whereas among the 2643 unexposed subjects 142 subjects (5·8%) received tinnitus yielding a risk difference of 7·7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3·0%-12·5%) and a risk ratio of 2·60 (95% CI: 1·7-3·9). The risk ratio was 2·4 (95% CI: 1·6-3·7) after adjustment for gender, age, school education and frequent headache. Pain on palpation of the TMJ, however, did not worsen the prognosis for tinnitus in prevalent tinnitus cases (RR = 0·8, P = 0·288). Signs of TMD are a risk factor for the development of tinnitus.

© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

PMID: 21517934 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

BITE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH HEADACHES ACCORDING TO NEW ARTICLE IN THE JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY, JUNE 2011

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 central nervous system and can often eliminate or prevent many types of headaches and migraines, especially those involving trigeminally innervated tissues including teeth, jaw muscles, jaw (TMJ)joints, eustacian tubes, muscles that tighten the eardrum. This can correct blood flow to the anterior 2/3 of the meninges to the brain.

J Prosthet Dent. 2011 Jun;105(6):410-7.
Prevalence and association of headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders, and occlusal interferences.
Troeltzsch M, Troeltzsch M, Cronin RJ, Brodine AH, Frankenberger R, Messlinger K.
SourcePrivate Practice, Ansbach, Germany; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.

Abstract
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although an interaction of malocclusion, parafunction, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can be inferred from the experience of daily practice, scientific evidence to corroborate this hypothesis does not exist. However, there are indications that TMD and headaches may be intertwined.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the presence or absence of an association of occlusal interferences, parafunction, TMD, or physiologic, muscular, or prosthodontic factors with the occurrence of headache.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a private practice population of 1031 subjects (436 men and 595 women, mean age 49.6 years) the demographic parameters, headache and general pain history, habits and general personal information were recorded. Clinical examination for dental, muscular, and temporomandibular joint pathology was accomplished. Data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-Square tests (α = .05). A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed with respect to confounding variables.

RESULTS: Headache affliction was found to affect women more frequently than men (1.7:1). Students and non academics were more prone to suffer from headache. Parafunction (P=.001), TMD (P=.001) and gross differences between centric occlusion and maximum intercuspation of more than a 3 mm visible track marked with 8 μm articulation foil (P=.001) significantly influenced the presence of headache. Headache intensity and frequency decreased with age. While tension-type headache was most frequently diagnosed, the parameters studied were not significantly associated with one certain headache diagnosis more frequently than others.

CONCLUSIONS: Stomatognathic factors of TMD, parafunction, and gross differences between centric occlusion and maximum intercuspation of more than 3 mm are associated with headache. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the cross-sectional nature of this study.

Copyright © 2011 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMID: 21640243 [PubMed - in process]

SEVERE HEADACHES, MIGRAINES, FACIAL PAIN or TMD RELIEF : DR SHAPIRA CAN ARRANGE THREE DAY EVALUATION AND TREATMENT APPOINTMENT IN HIS OFFICE.

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 patient and often experienced severe headaches and facial pain that even excessive doses of Fiorinal #3 did not touch.

Some patients who have been in severe pain want relief as soon as possible and I understand wanting to experience relief as soon as possible. A "JUMP START" appointment in my office is possible. My team can arrange a 3 day visit where we start with diagnostics on the first morning and deliver a neuromuscular orthotic in the afternoon. We can utilize SPG blocks, trigger point injections and other modalities to achieve rapid results.

I work with Dr Mark Freund who can arrange for an Atlas Axis evaluation and do Atlas-Orthogonol adjustments, if indicated.

Prior to making an appointment I require that patients submit an extensive history as well as fill out some forms.

I like patients to give me a complete history of their pain, what age it started, any history of trauma and/or surgical proceedures as well as a list of previous treatments, length of treatment and success of treatment. I will personally review this information before you are accepted as a patient. I see a maximum of two patients/month for "JUMP START" treatment due to time and scheduling constraints.

My team will arrange for a convenient hotel near the office. This is the same hotel I use for doctors and their teams when I give course. My patients fly in Sunday I meet with them at 8 AM and do an exam followed by a neuromuscular work-up. This takes approximately 4 hours. I then customize a Diagnostic Neuromuscular Orthotic in the afternoon.

I clearly want all patients to understand that there are no guarantees of success.

If we are successful in eliminating or relieving your pain and dysfunction significantly and you believe that you are substantially improved we will schedule ongoing visits as needed. The Diagnostic Orthotic is for initial treatment, healing and short-term stabilization. Long term stabilization is frequently required and can take many different forms. These alternatives will be discussed but may take many forms such as long-term orthotics, orthodontics, reconstruction, surgery. Each patient is unique so your treatment will be customized for you.

POSTUROLOGY AND TMD (TMJ) DISORDERS: WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DAILY HEADACHES, MIGRAINES AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES.

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 AND THE THIRD IS THE HIPS WHEN WE SIT.

THE QUADRANT THEOREM OF GUZAY EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE JAW TO FULL BODY POSTURE IN MATHEMATICAL AND ENGINEERING TERMS.

IT IS EASIER FOR THE LAY PERSON TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE JAW BY IMAGINING STANDING ON THE DOCTORS SCALE. THE 100 POUND MARKER IS SET, THEN THE TEN POUND MARKER IS SET, AND FINALLY THE ONE POUND MARKER IS SET TILL THE SCALE PERFECTLY BALANCES.

THE PROBLEM IS THAT IF YOU MOVE THAT ONE POUND WEIGHT JUST A LITTLE TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT THE SCALE DOES NOT GO A LITTLE OUT OF BALANCE IT GOES "KLUNK" EITHER UP OR DOWN DEPENDING ON WHICH WAY YOU MOVED THE WEIGHT.

ION A SIMILAR MANNER THE JAW DOES THE SAME THING FOR HEAD POSITION AND WHOLE BODY POSTURE. PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NECK, JAW OR HEADACHE PAIN COULD BE DESCRIBED AS HAVING BEEN "KLUNKED"

UNLIKE THE SCALE WHICH ONLY MOVES IN TWO DIRECTIONS THE JAW CAN BE DISPLACED ANTERIOR-POSTERIORLY, VERTICALLY TOO CLOSE OR TOO FAR APART (VERTICAL DIMENSION). SIDE TO SIDE OR OBLIQUELY. IT CAN ALSO BE TIPPED SIDE TO SIDE. FRONT TO BACK OR OBLIQUELY AND IT CAN BE ROTATED IN EITHER DIRECTION ON THE HORIZONTAL PLANE.

NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY HAS THE TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND AND UNWIND THE POSTURAL ABBERATIONS AND ALLOW A RETURN TO A NORMAL PHYSIOLOGIC STATE. THIS IS WHERE HEALING CAN OCCUR ALLOWING LONG TERM RESOLUTION OF THE PATIENTS PROBLEMS.

THIS IS AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION BECAUSE ALL OF THE PROBLEMS IN JAW POSTURE ARE ALSO RELATED TO HEAD POSITION. AN EVALUATION OF THE ATLAS/AXIS RELATIONSHIP CAN BE INVALUABLE IN TREATING POSTURAL DISCREPANCIES,

THE FIRST STEP, FROM A NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY APPOACH IS TO USE TECHNOLOGY TO MEASURE JAW POSITION AND FUNCTION AND TO DESIGN A DIAGNOSTIC NEUROMUSCULAR ORTHOTIC THAT ALLOWS THE HEALING PROCESS TO BEGIN. AS HEALING OCCURS HEAD AND NECK POSTURE WILL CONTINUALLY CHANGE UNTIL A NEW HOMEOSTASIS IS REACHED.

FREQUENTLY, TOTAL POSTURA; CORRECTION MAY INVOLVE ORTHOTICS FOR SHOES OR EVEN FOR "BUTT LIFTS" FOR SITTING. THE PODIATRIST CAN SERVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN POSTUROLOGY AS CAN GAIT ANALYSIS. EVEN THE OPTICIAN CAN PROVIDE A VITAL LINK IN HEALING FOR PATIENTS WHOSE POSTURE IS ADVERSELY EFFECTED BY EYEGLASSES AND HOW WELL THEY FIT PATIENTS WORK AND LIFESTYLE FUNCTIONS. MASSAGE THERAPISTS AND EXERCISE THERAPISTS FREQUENTLY ALLOW COMPLETE HEALING AND HELP ESTABLISH A HEALTHY PHYSIOLOGY.

THE FOLLOWING PUBMED ABSTRACT FROM CRANIO DISCUSSES SOME OF THE POSTURAL ISSUES ON JUST THE FORWARD BACKWARD POSITION OF THE JAW. CLASS 2 IS BACKWARD POSITION, CLASS 3 IS FOWARD POSITION AND CLASS 1 IS NORMAL POSITION. THIS IS ONLY DISCUSSING SKELETAL POSITION HOWEVER AND NOT TRUE PHYSIOLOGIC POSITION THAT WOULD BE MESURED WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DENTAL MEASUREMENTS OF EMG AND MKG OR COMPUTERIZED MANDIBULAR SCAN.

Cranio. 2005 Jul;23(3):219-28.
Evaluation of cervical posture of children in skeletal class I, II, and III.
D'Attilio M, Caputi S, Epifania E, Festa F, Tecco S.
Source
Department of Orthodontics, University of Chieti, Italy.
Abstract
Previous studies on the relationship between morphological structure of the face and cervical posture have predominantly focused on vertical dimensions of the face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are significant differences in cervical posture in subjects with a different sagittal morphology of the face, i.e., a different skeletal class. One hundred twenty (120) children (60 males and 60 females, average age 9.5 yrs., SD+/-0.5) were admitted for orthodontic treatment. Selection criteria was: European ethnic origin, date of birth, considerable skeletal growth potential remaining and an absence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Lateral skull radiographs were taken in mirror position. Subjects were divided into three groups based on their skeletal class. The cephalometric tracings included postural variables. The most interesting findings were: 1. children in skeletal class III showed a significantly lower cervical lordosis angle (p<0.001) than the children in skeletal class I and skeletal class II; 2. children in skeletal class II showed a significantly higher extension of the head upon the spinal column compared to children in skeletal class I and skeletal class III (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). This is probably because the lower part of their spinal column was straighter than those of subjects in skeletal class I and II (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Significant differences among the three groups were also observed in the inclination of maxillary and mandibular bases to the spinal column. The posture of the neck seems to be strongly associated with the sagittal as well as the vertical structure of the face.

PMID: 16128357 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Severe Continuous Headache. Look for Trigeminal Nerve involvement

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 once every couple of months. Never this often. I'm also extremely exhausted all day long. I wake up tired, and I go to bed tired. Also experiencing a lot of anxiety, more so than normal which was triggered around the same time. I don't feel depressed so I don't think it's that, but I'm not sure. Not sure what triggered all of this, but I can't get over it. My doc did blood work on my thyroid, vit D, and one other thing (I can't remember) and it was all normal. She wanted me to take migraine medicine to stop the headaches but I wasn't comfortable taking it. Plus I wanted to find out why it was happening, not just take the pain away. I'm scared it may be a tumor or something similar. I'm 29 and have 2 small children.

Dr Shapira response: Diana,
I am sorry to hear you are having some much pain. Checking thyroid function is a good step, but it is important to look not just if you are in the normal range but where in the range are your numbers. Normal is a range for a population not an individual. If you are at the bottom of the normal range it could still be a problem.

I would suggest having a sleep study since your tiredness is a major problem.

I obviously cannot diagnose on the internet but frequently neuromuscular dentists use "spray and stretch techniques" that can quickly relieve the pain and diagnose a muscular orgin. I normally start with a consultation and can relieve most pain using those techniques, This helps to understand where the pain is coming from.

Other possible treatments to stop a continuous headache are SPG blocks that work well for autonomic pain and trigger point injections. Stopping the pain is usually easy but more importantly it lets us understand where it is coming from and learn more about the nature of the pain.

There is very little history to this pain, and I would like to know much more about the onset and any unusual events a week or two before it began.

An aqualizer oral appliance is also an inexpensive way to evaluate whether the pain is jaw related.

Most of my patients are fitted with a 24 hour diagnostic orthotic if it appears there is trigeminal nerve involvement in the headache. This is true for the majority of severe continuous headaches as well as headaches and migraines in general


















;

Chronic Headaches and facial pain are often incorrectly blamed on chronic sinusitis

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 sinusitis and are unnecessarily subjected to multiple courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics and other unnecessary therapy"

I have seen this frequently in patients for years who are constantly taking antibiotics for sinus infections that cause their headaches. I have found that when we place these patients in a neuromuscular diagnostic orthotic that nthe headaches subside, as do the "sinus infections" . There is tremendous danger associated with the unnecessary overuse of antibiotics.

An article in Sleep and Health Journal, "SUFFER NO MORE: DEALING WITH THE GREAT IMPOSTER" discusses in detail how patients frequently have the TMD diagnosis missed leading to years of needless suffering. The article can be found at:
http://www.sleepandhealth.com/story/suffer-no-more-dealing-great-impostor

The article states "studies estimate that TMD pain is the cause of chronic headaches in 14% to 26% of individuals with recurrent headaches." I believe this is grossly under-rating the frequency where TMD either causes the headache directly, is a trigger to a secondary cause of headache or is involved in increasing the degree of pain the patient suffers. Nearly all headaches and migraines are trigeminally mediated and these headaches are TMD related.

Many patients do not have joint clicking , noise , locking or pain but have muscular disorders of the stomatognathic system.

Neuromuscular dentists are a small group of highly educated dentists in the field. They are able to deal with more complex issues due to sophisticated tools such as ULF-TENS, EMG, Computerized Mandibular Scans (MKG) and Sonography or JVA.

The article concludes "The disorder should be suspected in individuals with a long-standing history of chronic daily headaches and facial pain without objective evidence of sinus, neurologic, or intracranial abnormalities."

WHAT THIS MEANS IS, IF YOUR HEADACHES ARE NOT CLEARLY IDENTIFIED BY OBJECTIVE STUDIES (MRI, CST SCANS, CULTURE, BLOOD TESTS, ETC ) THAN YOU SHOULD BE EVALUATED FOR TMD.

A Neuromuscular Dentist is probably an excellent starting point for patients with chronic daily headaches, sinus headaches and migraines which do not have objective causes identified by medical testing.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2007 Oct;99(4):314-8.
Temporomandibular dysfunction: an often overlooked cause of chronic headaches.
Lupoli TA, Lockey RF.
Source
Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, University of South Florida College of Medicine, James A. Haley Veteran's Hospital, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. tlupoli@hsc.usf.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To review and discuss the role of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) as a cause of chronic headaches and facial pain.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION:
A literature review was performed using the PubMed database for English-language articles published between January 1, 1981, and August 31, 2006, using the following keywords: temporomandibular dysfunction, temporomandibular disorder, temporomandibular joint, and chronic headache. Additional information was obtained from a review of current medical texts.

RESULTS:
Allergists and immunologists are frequently called on to evaluate patients with chronic headaches and facial pain. TMD is known to cause recurrent facial discomfort and headaches. Many individuals with the disorder present with headache or facial discomfort as their only chief complaint. They mistakenly think it is a "sinus" headache. Nearly 10 million Americans are affected by the disorder, and early studies estimate that TMD pain is the cause of chronic headaches in 14% to 26% of individuals with recurrent headaches.

CONCLUSIONS:
TMD is a likely underdiagnosed cause of chronic headache and facial discomfort. As such, many patients with the disorder are routinely mislabeled as experiencing chronic sinusitis and are unnecessarily subjected to multiple courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics and other unnecessary therapy. TMD can be readily diagnosed by a careful history and physical examination. Patients typically respond well to conservative therapy, which includes behavioral modification and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The disorder should be suspected in individuals with a long-standing history of chronic daily headaches and facial pain without objective evidence of sinus, neurologic, or intracranial abnormalities.

PMID: 17941277 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

MIGRAINE TREATMENT WITHOUT DRUGS. MIGRAINES ARE USUALLY RELATED TO THE TRIGEMINAL NERVES, THE BEST TREATMENT IS TO CORRECT NEURAL INPUT.

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 sensitivity to light and noise.

A common factor in almost all headaches and migraines is the involvement of the Trigeminal Nerve. Treating migraines and other headaches without drugs can frequently be easily accomplished by changing the neural input into the trigeminal nervous system. TMJ disorders (TMD) are often called "The Great Imposter" I strongly recommend that anyone who suffers from Migraines, Tension-Type Headaches, Chronic Daily Headaches or other chronic head and neck pain read
"SUFFER NO MORE: DEALING WITH THE GREAT IMPOSTER" in Sleep and Health Journal at:
http://www.sleepandhealth.com/story/suffer-no-more-dealing-great-impostor

Two of the most common types of migraine are "migraine with aura" or "Classic Migraine" and "migraine without aura" or "common migraine".

Frequently patients with severe headaches are diagnosed as having "migraine" when they actually have a severe tension headache, muscular headache or cervicogenic headache which can present as a migraine. Many patients and physicians can are fooled into thinking every severe headache is a migraine. Severe headaches are frequently neuromuscular in orgin and easy to alleviate or eliminate. This can lead to the wrong treatments being utilized that while helpful they are not ideal and can increase headache frequency and/or drug overuse.

Rebound headaches and drug overuse headaches are among the most difficult to treat because in addition to the original problems we now are also dealing with a medication caused disorder.

The Common Migraine or Migraine without Aura
because the headache is associated with changes in the size of the arteries inside the skull and in the head and neck. The blood flow to the anterior two thirds of the meninges of the brain is controlled by the trigeminal nerve and this type of headache can frequently be eliminated without drugs with a neuromuscular orthotic that stops the nociceptive input to the brain from the fifth cranial nerve or trigeminal nerve. Neuromuscular Dentistry is most effective when it is ussed to intervene before the pre-headache phase when blood vessels constrict; at the time vascular dilation occurs the migraine begins. The The inflamed as well as swollen blood vessels are believed to be the cause of migraine pain and are caused by neurally mediated inflammationand by increasing the pressure on the swollen walls of the blood vessels. Neuromuscular Dentistry is more effective at preventing or eliminating migraines then a stopping them in the middle of an acute attack.

Migraine sufferers may experience only occasional episodes while others have repetitive migraines two to four times per month. Other patients can get continuous migraines that very in intensity. Most migraine headaches last at least four hours, although very severe ones can last up to a week. I recently treated the wife of a physician who had a continuous headache for over 50 years that was eliminated after only two visits. This is unusual but not unheard of when utilizing neuromuscular dental orthotics. Headaches may begin at any time of the day or night; but when they has a TMJ (TMD) disorder and/or sleep apnea. Migraines rarely awaken a person from sleep but morning headaches frequently can convert into full blown migraines. These morning migraines are especially easy to treat with a neurmucular diagnostic orthotic.

Classic Migraine or Migraine with Aura are about a third of the migraine population. These are also trigeminally innervated migraines and when treated by a neuromuscular orthotic may give a different response. I have seen patients who still experience the aura but the pain never follows. Depending on the triggers that percipitate the migraines the orthotic will often decrease the severity and frequency of these headaches but not completely eliminate them

Migraine sufferers frequently experience visual problems during the headache. Migraine that begins with an aura is usually a manifestation of neurological symptoms. These symptoms are most frequently associated with the trigeminal nerve and the aura begins from five to thirty minutes before the actual onset of the headache. Neuromuscular dentists will frequently use Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks to head off this type of migraine before it hits. Once these migrines are in full swing standard migraine medications are the best way to limit and control pain.

I usually will teach patients how to self administer SPG blocks (sphenopalatine ganglion blocks) with local anaesthetic intranasally applied with a Q-tip. Patients may see wavy or jagged lines,wierdly moving blobs reminescent of Lava lamps, squiggles, worms, polka dots or strobe like flashing lights. Any time patients have flashing lights in their eyes they must consider the possibility of a detatched retina. Other symptoms include tunnel vision or blind spots in one or both eyes or vision going black and white and dimming that is similar to being lost in the fog.

Auras can also be non-visual in nature and can involve sounds , dizziness or strange bodily aches or the feeling like something is crawling thru you. It is not uncommon for smells and tastes to be part of an aura and some patients report that the Aura sonunds , tastes and odors can percipitate attacks when they are encountered in real life.

Feelings of numbness or a "pins-and-needles" sensation as well as difficulty in recalling or speaking the correct word can be experienced with migraine but can also be neurological symptoms of a stroke and must be considered serious at all times. Other less common types of migraine include Hemiplegic Migraine, Ophthalmoplegic Migraine, Retinal Migraine, Basilar Artery Migraine and Abdominal Migraine

Many of these other types of migraines can be very difficult to diagnose but it is important to remember they are are mediated by the Trigeminal nervous system and may respond well to treatment with a neuromuscular diagnostic orthotic which can eliminate or drastically decrease both frequency and severity.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Migraine. Is this an example of a neuromusclar Trigeminally mediated headache?

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 in women and associated with Migraine, Tension-Type Headache, and Chronic Daily Headache.

this article actually finds a stronger association between PTSD and Migraine in men than women. TMD disorders are frequently found in women and are tied to "Chronic Stress" in particular. The differences between men and women make woomen more prone to problems related to chronic stress. There are estrogen receptors in the TMJoint and Testosterone is importand in healing and muscle repair.

Both men and women usually respond extremely well to treatment of migraines and chronic daily headache when fitted with a neuromuscular diagnostic orthotic. The psychological stress is obviously not treated by an oral appliance but when the pain is eliminate the psychological problems are much easier to treat. Pain is felt in the same area of the brain where we feel emotions and pain can be considered the most negative of all emotions. Elimination of chronic pain thru neuromuscular dentistry can increase effectiveness of PTSD treatment.

Headache. 2011 May 17. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2011.01907.x. [Epub ahead of print]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Migraine: Epidemiology, Sex Differences, and Potential Mechanisms.
Peterlin BL, Nijjar SS, Tietjen GE.
Source

From the Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA (B.L. Peterlin and S.S. Nijjar); Department of Neurology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA (G.E. Tietjen).
Abstract

Migraine is a common, often disabling disorder associated with a significant personal and societal burden. The presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase this disability substantially. Migraine and PTSD are both up to 3 times more common in women than in men. The divergence in prevalence rates of migraine and PTSD that occurs between the sexes after puberty suggests that gonadal hormones play an important role. In addition, the preponderance of PTSD in women may be related to their higher rates of interpersonal trauma, the most common cause of PTSD. However, recent data suggest that although the odds of PTSD are increased in both women and men with episodic migraine, this association is stronger in men than women. In this paper, we examine the epidemiology of PTSD and migraine, with an emphasis on the known sex differences. We then discuss the neurobiological changes associated with PTSD, the current hypotheses for the mechanisms relating PTSD and migraine, and the treatment implications of these findings.

© 2011 American Headache Society.

PMID:
21592096
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

New research on Migriane Medication focuses on Trigeminal Nerve

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 effective but correcting the nociceptive input to the nervous system is a more effective and reliable method of treating trigeminally mediated pain.

Reports of 80-95% effectiveness in treating headaches with a neuromuscular diagnostic orthotic are common and side effects are minimum.

Correcting the problem by altering neural input is the closest to a "cure" for migraines.

Effectiveness has never been the major problem in treating Headaches, Migraines and TMJ disorders with Neuromuscular Dentistry. The problem is that while the treatment is extremely effective it is expensive and insurance companies write contracts that limit coverage. The current cost conscious environment virtually insures that patients will continue to suffer needlessly because lack of coverage puts this extremely effective treatment out of financial viability for any patients.

Patients who suffer from migraines and chronic daily headaches and can affrd neuromuscular dentistry will find it extremely effective.

A downside to neuromuscular dental treatment is that it can be time intensive especially at the start of treatment protocols.

Ending needless pain and suffering is always rewarding to both patients, friends , families and the practitioners.



Cephalalgia. 2011 May 18. [Epub ahead of print]
The L-kynurenine signalling pathway in trigeminal pain processing: A potential therapeutic target in migraine?
Guo S, Vecsei L, Ashina M.
Source

University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract

Introduction: In recent years the kynurenine family of compounds, metabolites of tryptophan, has become an area of intensive research because of its neuroactive properties. Two metabolites of this family have become of interest in relation to migraine and pain processing. Discussion: Experimental studies have shown that kynurenic acid (KYNA) plays an important role in the transmission of sensory impulses in the trigeminovascular system and that increased levels of KYNA decrease the sensitivity of the cerebral cortex to cortical spreading depression. Furthermore, another metabolite of the kynurenine family, L-kynurenine, exerts vasodilating effects similar to nitric oxide by increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Conclusion: This review summarizes current knowledge of the role of kynurenine signalling in trigeminal and central pain processing, including its therapeutic prospects in migraine treatment.

PMID:
21593189
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Gurnee Dental Office Utilizes Neuromuscular Dentistry to Treat TMJ, TMD, Chronic Headaches and Migraines

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 combination of therapy can give phenomenal results.

Many people do not understand what Neuromuscular Dentistry is, so I am reprinting an article I wrote here that was originally published by the AES or American Equilibration Society and republished in the ICCMO Anthology and by Sleep and Health Journal. Additional information about Neuromucular Dentistry is available at our dental website at http://www.delanydentalcare.com/neuromuscular.html


NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY (originally published in the American Equilibration Society magazine)

Ira L Shapira DDS, DABDSM, DAAPM, FICCMO

Neuromuscular Dentistry remains an enigma to many dentists who do not understand the purposes of the electrodes, the TENS, the computers and more. It has unfairly become a target of poor and misleading definitions by doctors who do not understand its basic principles.

There are several basic premises that underlie Neuromuscular Dentistry. The first premise is that the stomatognathic muscles are the primary determinate of the mandibles position during all jaw functions (when the teeth are not in occlusion) and that rest position is one of the most important positions in dentistry. Rest position is a maxillary to mandibular jaw relation where the teeth are not in occlusion but are prepared to occlude. In Neuromuscular Dentistry Rest is a position of bilaterally equal and low muscle tonicity from which the mandible moves into full occlusion with minimal muscle accommodation. Following closure from rest position the mandible should return to rest with similarly balanced low muscle tonicity. Rest position is determined not only by the mandible’s relation to the cranium but also by the position of the head relative to the body, the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles and the position of the hyoid bone. To fully understand the relation of jaw movement to head posture read the Quadrant Theorem of GUZAY (Available from the ADA Library). In essence it shows in engineering terms that after accounting for both rotation and translation of the mandible the actual axis of rotation of the mandible is at the odontoid process of the second vertebrae not at the mandible condylar head.

The second premise is that occlusion is important in neuromuscular dentistry as a resetting mechanism of the trigeminal nervous system’s control of the stomatognathic muscles. Myocentric occlusion is ideally a position in which the muscles move the mandible from a non-torqued rest position into full occlusion with minimal muscle accommodation and no interferences of occlusal contacts until full closure is attained thus eliminating all torque during closure. This means that there are no noxious contacts received by the periodontal ligaments or the muscular proprioceptors that must be avoided by the muscles (accommodation) but rather allow “free” entry into myocentric occlusion. The jaw muscles will return to rest position after closure with the muscles maintaining their healthy low tonicity. Relaxed healthy musculature is the gold standard of neuromuscular dentistry.

Swallowing is a primary activity when the jaw is closed into full occlusion. In order to swallow it is necessary to fixate the mandible and this happens as the teeth occlude. During chewing, speaking and other jaw functions the teeth do not actually occlude in normal function but are separated (during chewing by a bolus of food). Typically swallowing occurs approximately 2000 times a day and is momentary accounting for 6-10 minutes maximum time in occlusion over the course of the day and acts as a neuromuscular reset switch for trigeminally innervated muscles. During a healthy swallow the teeth will move freely without interference into full occlusion with bilateral equal contact and bilateral equal muscle activity and then return to rest position with low muscle tonicity. A deviate swallow as evidenced by scalloping of the tongue is a sign of a possible TMJ disorder and is also 80% predictive of sleep apnea (80% predictive in Dental study- 70% predictive ENT study)

Neuromuscular occlusion (myocentric) occurs when centric occlusion (maximum non-torqued intercuspation of teeth) is coincidental with a balanced muscle closure where the muscles will return to their relaxed state following closure. Myocentric is the ideal position for swallowing.

The dentist utilizing neuromuscular techniques does not determine a specific position of the condyles in the fossa. The position of the disk and condyle are determined primarily by the teeth (bite or orthotic during occlusal correction therapy) in occlusion (myocentric) and the application of muscle activity. Neuromuscular dentistry allows the patients healthy relaxed muscles to determine the joint relations with the teeth serving as a neuromuscular reset switch during closure. Neuromuscular dentistry rejects the notion that manipulation of the patient’s jaw by the intervention of the clinician muscles are more important in determining the relation of the components of the TM Joint than the muscles of the patient. Centric relation is not used as a reference position for mounting casts on an articulator. Centric Relation is considered a border movement of the mandible and as reported in orthopedic literature joints are rarely used in their border positions.

The HIP plane (defined by hamular notches, incisive papilla and the occipital condyles) and/or Campers plane is used to relate the maxilla to an articulator. When cosmetic considerations are involved photos are used to to incorporate this physiologic plane to soft tissues of the face. Ideally the occlusal plane (parallel to the HIP Plane) will bisect the odontoid process of the axis of the atlantoaxial joint the actual center of rotation for the mandible after accounting for translation and rotation according to the quadrant theorem.

This occlusal plane will be at a 90-degree angle to gravitational force when the head is in an upright position. A neuromuscular bite is used to mount the


mandibular casts according to data from EMG recordings and jaw tracings with TENS. The incorporation of the Curve of Spee based on Centro Masticale (CM) point which continues thru the mandibular condyle and the Curve of Wilson also based on CM point that is involved is stimulation of the autonomic nervous system via tongue reflexes when the lateral border of the tongue touches the lingual surfaces of the teeth. (Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, Vol. 13, No. 5, 409-425 (2002)) This excellent article is available online at http://cro.sagepub.com/cgi/content/full/13/5/409

Neuromuscular dentistry considers many of the problems associated with TMD to be repetitive strain injuries. Movements become harmful when closure requires excessive accommodation and then the system fails at its weakest link. If the weakest link is muscle health we will see formation of tender sore muscles with eventual formation of taut bands and trigger points. If there is muscle overuse from clenching and/or grinding there will be post exercise pain secondary to anaerobic lactic acid build-up. If the weakest point is in the TM Joint then when repetitive strain occurs the muscle accommodation will lead to increased intra-articular pressure. This again will break down the joint at its weakest point. This may occur as a displaced disk or as wear of articular surfaces or many other conditions. It may come at the expense of the bone of the condyle leading to flattening or beaking of the condyle. Clenching and bruxism are two particularly well-known and harmful parafunctional habits that lead to varied repetitive strain injuries. There are many other parafunctions that can lead to problems. Some parafunctions are actually protective muscle accommodation such as the deviated or reversed swallow that protects the TM Joints and masticatory muscles at the expense of altered head, hyoid and spine position and consequent muscle problems.

The second type of problems would be described as I/O or Input/ output errors in computer lingo. The CNS is essentially a biological computer and is affected by input from afferent nerves from the body. Autonomic system function include the fight or flight response with concomitant release of adrenaline that alters the heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tone etc. This system effects the Hypothalamus pituitary complex with feedback to the adrenals and effects on ACTH and cortisol levels. During periods of acute stress these effects have a positive survival value but during chronic stress become a liability to the individual as described by Hans Selye in his book “The Stress of Life” and his discussion of the General Adaptation Syndrome. There are numerous biochemical changes that occur in the brain secondary to aberrant or nociceptive input into the brain these can be affected by correction of the neurological input, by using drugs to change the brain chemistry or a combination of these approaches. Ideally correction of the underlying cause of these biochemical changes is the preferred method of treatment.

The utilization of TENS or transcutaneous neural stimulation over the coronoid notch has been shown by Mitani and Fujii (1974 J. Dent Res.) to block the motor division of the trigeminal nerve and relax the musculature via anti-dromic impulses (hyperpolarisation) to both the alpha and gamma motor neurons without influence from proprioceptive and nocioceptive (tooth contacts) inputs The TENS is then use to create a balanced synchronize pulsing to find the trajectory of closure where a myocentric registration can be obtained. The muscles will return to their relaxed position following closure into myocentric.

The use of Computerized mandibular jaw tracking allows the dentist to measure and record resting jaw position relative to the cranium at a given head position. The location of myocentric occlusion is determined by the dentist with the aid of information from tracings recorded.

Electromyography or EMG is used to record relative values of resting muscle activity of masticatory muscles as well as muscles such as Sternocleidomastoid or Trapezius. While there are no absolute “normal values” of resting muscles the clinician uses his information to compare muscle activity within a given patient. Muscles should be approximately equal activity bilaterally. Thomas 1990 in Frontiers of Oral Physiology vol 7 pp162-170 demonstrated that Spectral analysis of the post TENS EMG may be utilized to evaluate muscle fatigue and differentiate between muscle atrophy or fatigue or relaxed muscle states. This was later confirmed by Frucht, Jonas and Kappert at Frieberg University in 1995 (Fortschr.Kieferorthop vol 56 pp 245-253)

Utilizing the two modalities together allows the clinician to evaluate the rest position of the jaw and simultaneously the health and functional activity of the muscles.

The EMG also allows tests to evaluate the functional capacity of the muscles and again compare the right and left sides for symmetry. The use of functional recordings (during clenching and closure into centric occlusion) allows the clinician to evaluate whether or not muscle function is satisfactory and functional. The use of EMG also allows evaluation and correction of first contact of closure position within microseconds bases on firing order of the masseter and temporalis muscles. The first point of contact on closure is vitally important and equilibration of orthotics and dentition must be finely adjusted until first contact is evenly dispersed on posterior dentition.

Neuromuscular dentistry is very concerned with the effects of mandibular position on the body as a whole and on the effects of the body on jaw and head position. The work of Sherrington and the righting reflex explains how ascending and descending disorders affect a patient. These phenomena have been best explained by Norman Thomas BDS, PhD. I will not attempt to explain this complicated topic in this agenda, which may be found in Anthology of ICCMO vol V pp159-170. It obviously must incorporate the Quadrant Theorem of Casey Guzay, the physiological aspects of the balance organ of the inner ear and the vestibular apparatus located in the brainstem as well as visual feedback. The control of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems by the cerebellum is quite intricate and also affected by head position.

Correction of the chewing cycle is an important part of occlusal finalization. It must be understood that the chewing cycle is different on the each side and that interferences can occur on both the opening and closing strokes of the chewing cycle. Interferences in chewing strokes are easiest to detect by study of the chewing strokes on computerized mandibular scans (MKG). Head position during chewing is not is normally in the upright head position but in the feeding position approximately a 30-degree anterior head flexion. Correction of the chewing cycle is at least as important as correction of right, left and protrusive excursions. Chewing is a healthy function of the craniomandibular apparatus where as excursive movements are actually exercises in parafunctional movements.

There is more commonality to treatment of TMJ disorders by neuromuscular and non-neuromuscular dentists than differences and complications caused by neural intensification in the reticular activating system, emotional aspects and the relation to the limbic system, connections to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems via the Sphenopalatine Ganglion and sympathetic chain, and chemical changes and cerebroplastic changes that occur during chronic pain leading to hyperalgesia and allodynia all can be discussed in greater detail and explained in relation to neuromuscular dentistry. The basics physiology including effects of Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindles on jaw muscles remain constant and must always be carefully considered during treatment.

Barney Jankelson’s famous quote, “if it is measured it is a fact otherwise it is an opinion “ rings as true today as when he first said it. Neuromuscular dentistry is about making accurate measurements and the use of those measurements to improve the doctor’s ability to make a differential diagnosis and tailor treatment to relieve pain and create stable restorative dentistry with healthy relaxed musculature.

I would like to make a disclaimer that this is my personal definition of Neuromuscular dentistry from 30 years of practice and to thank my mentors Barney Jankelson, Barry Cooper, Dayton Krajiec, Richard Coy, Harold Gelb, Peter Neff, Robert Jankelson and especially Jim Garry who first made me understand the connections between increased upper airway resistance and the common developmental aspects of sleep apnea and craniomandibular disorders. A special thank you for Dr Norman Thomas for his extraordinary help in understanding the complex physiology and anatomy underlying neuromuscular dentistry and in reviewing this paper prior to presentation.

My personal research in the 1980’s as a visiting assistant professor at Rush Medical School examined the jaw relations of patients with obstructive sleep apnea based on neuromuscular evaluations of jaw relations with a Myotronic's kinesiograph and a myomonitor to find neuromuscular rest position. These studies showed jaw relations in the male apnea patients that were strikingly similar to those found in female TMD patients. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute considers sleep apnea to be a TMJ disorder. The NHLBI published a report, “Cardiovascular and Sleep Related Consequences of TMJ Disorders” in 2001 that can be found at
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/meetings/workshops/tmj_wksp.pdf

Dr Shapira returned to Rush as an assistant professor at the sleep center in the 1990’s where he treated a wide variety of obstructive apnea patients with commercial and customized intraoral sleep appliances. He was a founding and credentialed member of the Sleep Disorder Dental Society that has become the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, on the board of the Illinois Sleep Society, a Diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management, a Regent Fellow of the International College of Cranio-Manibular Orthopedics and a representative of that group to the TMD Alliance. He is a long time member of AES, AACFP, Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Chicago Dental Society. Dr Shapira teaches hands-on in-depth Dental Sleep Medicine courses to small groups at his Gurnee office. A family history of genetic cancer led Dr Shapira into research on stem cells an he also holds several patents (method and device) on the collection of stem cells during early minimally invasive removal of the uncalcified tooth bud of developing third molars. This procedure can be complete in minutes with greatly reduced morbidity compared to current surgical techniques used for removal of developed third molars. He hopes in the future that patients will routinely remove the tooth buds and collect and save the stem cells for anti-aging and regenerative medical uses.

For more information on headache diagnosis and treatment as related to neuromuscular dentistry, please read the entire I Hate Headaches Website

Neuromuscular Dentistry does have some illustrations that are reprinted at the Sleep and Health Journal site at:
http://www.sleepandhealth.com/neuromuscular-dentistry

Quality of Life Destroyed By Chronic Daily Headache according to Cephalgia article. Neuromuscular Dentistry can improve Quality of Life

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." include 25 studies of patients and 9 studies of the general population.

I strongly recommend Neuromuscular Intervention as soon as possible when chronic headaches begin. These studies clarify the importance of utilizing a diagnostic neuromuscular orthotic early in the course of the problem. Almost every study done on headache treatment with a neuromuscular diagnostic orthotic shows at least a 50-80% improvement with NMD and frequently far superior results than medication.

Chronic Daily Headache frequently responds extremely well to Neuromuscular Dentistry but unfortunately a diagnostic orthotic is rarely offered to patients in pain centers and neurology offices. The biggest complaint about Neuromuscular Dentistry is that it can be expensive and time consuming when compared to writing a perscription. Long term savings and improvement in quality of life are essential considerations that must be taken into consideration. Insurance companies frquently are uncooperative using sneaky contract language to deny medically necessary treatment. One of the most common and unquetionably fraudulant techniques is to call all headaches and migraines treated by a dentist TMJ or TMD and then place an artificially low coverage maximum on that treatment. The article clearly states "Chronic Daily Headache was consistently associated with greater disability and productivity loss, more consultations, more or longer hospitalizations and higher direct costs than Episodic Headache, it is essential."

The principal conclusions of this review were"the findings of this review underline the detriment to Quality of Life and the disabling nature of CDH, and in particular CM and CDH with MOH, and negative impact on workplace productivity compared to other types of headache."

Reducing medication use and overuse is one of the real advantages of Neuromuscular Dental treatment of Chronic Migaine and Chronic Daily Headache. The side effects of massive drug use in headache and migraine often worsen the problem.

Prior to treating migraines, Tension -type headaches sinus headaches, and chronic daily headaches with dangerous medications it is logical to utilize a Dignostic Neuromuscular Orthotic, if relief is obtained the Medication Overuse is diminished. Medication Overuse Headaches are one of the worst headache types in destroying quality of Life.

The Neuromuscular Dental Institute (Institute for the Study of Neuromuscular Dentistry) is my answer to this disaster. Dr Barry Cooper, a leading Neuromuscular Dentistry Educator will teach his introduction to Neuromuscular Dentistry course to small groups of 4-6 dentists. We hope large numbers of these students will continue their Neuromuscular Dental Education at ICCMO (International College of CranioMandibular Orthopedics) meetings and at the Las Vegas Institue (LVI)

This wll be in addition to the current course I give on Sleep Apnea Treatment with oral appliance (Dental Sleep Medicine) as well as coverage of nerve blocks including the SPG block. The SPG or Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block can be incredibly effective in preventing and eliminating migraines. Ideally patients can learn to utilze and self administer SPG blocks to prevent or Amelliorate migraine headaches early in their course. It is simple, inexpensive and frequently incredibly effective.

The Alliance of TMD organizations (I am the ICCMO representative to the TMD Alliance) is working to prevent patients from being denied care that will mprove their overall quality of life and subsequently result in enormous long term savings in costs and expenses associates with chronic headaches and migraines.

The way TMJ, TMD and Neuromuscular Dentistry is dealt with by insurance companies is an example of Discrimination against women since the vast majority of patients with headaches, migraines and TM Joint disorders are female.

I will continue to treat patients at my Gurnee Dental practice, Delany Dental Care Ltd in our current locatin and in our new location that has a better layout for giving continuing educational courses to dentists, physicians and allied medical practitioners. Contact my office at 847-623-5530 for information on becoming a patient.

We do make special arrangements for long distance patients to make treatment requre less time and travel.

Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D, AAPM, FICCMO


Pub Med Abstract follows:

Cephalalgia. 2011 Apr 4. [Epub ahead of print]
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.
Lantéri-Minet M, Duru G, Mudge M, Cottrell S.

CHU de Nice - Hôpital Pasteur, France.
Abstract
Objective : To evaluate the evidence for quality of life (QoL) impairment, disability, healthcare resource use and economic burden associated with chronic daily headache (CDH), focusing on chronic migraine (CM) with or without medication overuse. Methods : A systematic review and qualitative synthesis of studies of patients/subjects with CDH that included CM, occurring on at least 15 days per month. Main findings: Thirty-four studies were included for review (25 studies of patients and nine of subjects from the general population). CDH and CDH with medication overuse headache (MOH) were consistently associated with a lower QoL compared to control or episodic headache (EH) and CDH without MOH. CDH was consistently associated with greater disability and productivity loss, more consultations, more or longer hospitalizations and higher direct costs than EH. Data were not amenable to statistical pooling. Principal conclusions : The findings of this review underline the detriment to QoL and the disabling nature of CDH, and in particular CM and CDH with MOH, and negative impact on workplace productivity compared to other types of headache.

PMID: 21464078 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

TMJ AND POSTURE: THE INTIMATE CONNECTION BETWEEN CHIROPRACTIC PROBLEMS AND TMJ DISORDERS (TMD) ARE CRITICAL.

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 chiropractic focus on the first two vertebrae. Both are excellent techniques but I usually prefer working with A/O chiropracters as they take a more universal approach to care. Many NUCCA chiropracters think that they can correct everything even though research at the prestegious Las Vegas Institue has shown that NUCCA adjustments DO NOT HOLD when the Neuromuscular Dental Occlusion is not corrected. A/o Chiropracters tend to be mor inclusive in care.

Atlas Orthoganal Chiropactic focuses on the first two vertebrae, the Atlas and the Axis. According to the website http://www.atlasorthogonality.com/index.htm the website of the Roy W Sweat Foundation:

"Atlas Orthogonal (SCALE—Stereotactic Cervical ALignment methods) is a spinal healthcare program developed by Dr. Roy Sweat in the late 1960’s based on scientific and biomechanical procedures. Dr. Sweat is considered by many to be one of the world’s foremost authorities on the cervical spine. After years of extensive research he developed a non-invasive, precision instrument to restore structural integrity from cervical vertebral malposition. The percussion instrument achieves postural restoration without manipulation or surgery. This precision treatment reduces cervical spine misalignment and its related symptomatology."

I work with two excellent A/O Chiropracters Dr Mark Freund in Lindenhurst and Dr David Menner in Lake Villa. I have also worked with severl NUCCA Chiropracters.

The connection between the Trigeminovascular system, the masticatory apparatus and the TM Joints was best described by a series ofg patients called "The Quadrant Theorem of Guzay" that describes how the actual center of rotation of the mandible (lower jaw) after accounting for both rotation and translation is on the Odontoid Process of the Axis found within the confines of the Atlas. The head rests on the Atlas on two fcets and it was named for Atlas in Greek Mythology who held the world on his shoulders.

Yoy can consider A/o Chiropracters and NUCCA Chiropracters as a herois Atlas managing the balance of the head on the top of the cervical column.

The neuromuscular Dentist is the navigator who assures that the head stays balanced so Atlas Axis stability is retained. The two treatments are intimately connected.

There are many other important areas of treatment in the body but these TOP Blocks are most important for anyone with Headaches, Migraines, TMJ, TMD, Spinal Problems, Tension-Type Headaches, SUNCY, Chronic Daily Headaches and non-infectious Sinus Pain and Sinus Headaches.

Additional information on Neuromuscular Dentistry is available at: http://www.sleepandhealth.com/neuromuscular-dentistry and at Dr Shapira's Delany Dental Care Ltd website at: http://www.delanydentalcare.com/neuromuscular.html

Are there tmj specialists? Is neuromuscular dentistry a specialty? Are neuromuscular Dentists Headache Specialists?

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 biomedical instrumentation to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders, TMD, Myofascial pain (MPD) and referred head and neck pain.

Should there be a TMJ or orofcial pain specialty? Absolutely not!

There are often many approaches to dealing with a chronic pain problem involving the teeth and jaws. Research has shown that different approaches can be successful. Creation of a specialty is almost certain to prevent patients from a full choice of therapeutic options. There are many educational and scientific societies dedicated to treating chronic pain. The Alliance of TMD organizations has taken a stand against specialty.

I firmly believe that neuromuscular dentistry is the best method for treating most fuctional disorders of the masticatory system including MPD, TMJ, TMD and occlusion. I will be happy to respond to specific questions on this blog why I believe it is the best approach.

I am a Fellow of ICCMO the group representing Neuromuscular Dentistry but I also go to yearly meetings of the AES or American Equilibration society. I belong to the American Academy of craniofaciall pain and have attended many meetings over the years. I also belong to IACA, the international academy of comprehensive esthetics that combines function and esthetics and I am a Diplomate of the academy of pain management.

Many of these groups overlap and share common goals and ideas and there are also major disagreements between groups as to what is the best treatment.

Almost universally they show great success in treatment.

ICCMO STANDS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF CRANIO MANDIBULAR ORTHOPEDICS. ICCMO IS THE ORGANIZATION FOR NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY

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 ADDRESS CHRONIC TMJ,TMD AND MYOFASCIAL PAIN PROBLEMS IN A PHYSIOLOGIC FRAMEWORK.

NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY CAN VASTLY IMPROVE RESULTS IN COSMETIC, IMPLANT AND RECONSTRUCTIVE DENTISTRY. THE BASIC THEORY OF NEUROMUCULAR DENTISTRY IS THAT IDEALING THE OCCLUSION SO THAT FUNCTION DOES NOT REQUIRE PATHOLOGIC MUSCLE DAPTATION. CREATING AN IDEAL ENVIRONMENT FOR NORAM MUSCLE FUNCTION CREATES NORMAL PHYSIOLOGIC RESPONSES AND HEALTHY MUSCLES.

THE NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM INVOLVES THE TEETH, JAW MUSCLES, JAW JOINTS, HEAD POSTURE, SWALLOWING VESTIBULAR FUNCTION, BREATHING, SLEEPING, PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. THE TRIGEMINAL NERVES AND TRIGEMINOVASCULAR SYSTEM ARE INTIMATELY INVOLVED NOT JUST IN TMJ DISORDERS BUT ALSO IN CHRONIC DAILY HEADACHE, TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE.

I TREAT ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS IN MY GURNEE, IL OFFICE. I AM ALSO THE SECRETARY OF ICCMO AND THE ICCMO REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ALLIANCE OF TMD ORGANIZATIONS.

WHY IS NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY SO SUCCESSFUL IN TREATING TMJ (TMD) DISORDERS AND HEADACHES. THE PRESENCE OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN IS THE LINK

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 DENTISTRY APPROACH TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE MASTICATORY SYSTEM, RELIEVING CHRONIC MUSCLE PAIN AND MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS AND PREVENTING CENTRAL SENSITIZATION.

THE LITERATURE STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE ROLE OF MUSCLES IN CHRONIC PAIN. A DIAGNOSTIC NEUROMUSCULAR ORTHOTIC IS AN IDEAL FIRST STEP FOR LONG TERM TREATMENT OF TMJ (TMD) DISORDERS AND HEADACHES. NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTS FREQUENTLY WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, CHIROPRACTERS, OSTEOPATHS AND MASSAGE THERAPISTS.

IMPROVING THE QULITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS ARISING FROM MUSCULAR DISORDERS AND IDEALIZING HOMEOSTASIS ARE BASIC TO NEUROMUSCULAR DENTAL TREATMENT.

There are 576 scientific articles that come up on a PubMed search using key terms of Myofascial Pain and TMJ. 221 PubMed articles come up searching Myofascial pain and Headache, and 61 articles when searching Myofascial Pain and Migraine. There are another 80 articles that come up searching Myofascial Pain and Tension-type Headaches.

Myofascial Pain is a constant in these searches. Myofascial pain results from repetitive overuse syndromes and is commonly considered a major component of TMD.
Neuromuscular Dentistry is directed toward treating myofascial pain, muscle spasm and other muscular disorders of the masticatory system.

An article "Temporomandibular Disorders are Differentially Associated With Headache Diagnoses: A Controlled Study." published in Feb 2011 Clinical Journal of Pain (abstract below) found that " TMD, TMD subtypes, and TMD severity are independently associated with specific headache syndromes and with headache frequency. This differential association suggests that the presence of central facilitation of nociceptive inputs may be of importance, as positive association was observed only when muscular TMD pain was involved."

Central facillitation is central to many theories on why some patients get chronic headaches and migraines. Another article, "Referred pain from myofascial trigger points in head and neck-shoulder muscles reproduces head pain features in children with chronic tension type headache." in the Feb 2011 Journal of Headache Pain (abstract below) confirms that tension type headaches in children are associated with myofascial pain.

The article states that "TrPs (myofascial trigger points) were identified with palpation and considered active when local and referred pains reproduce headache pain attacks." and that "The total number of TrPs was significantly greater in children with CTTH (chronic tension type headache) as compared to healthy children"

More significantly it stated "Active TrPs were only present in children with CTTH (P < 0.001). Within children with CTTH, a significant positive association between the number of active TrPs and headache duration (r (s) = 0.315; P = 0.026) was observed: the greater the number of active TrPs, the longer the duration of headache attack.

THIS MEANS THAT TRIGGER POINTS CAUSE TENSION TYPE HEADACHES IN CHILDREN, THE MORE TRIGGER POINTS THAT WERE PRESENT THE LONGER THE HEADACHES LASTED.

The study found a similar association with neck pain and trigger points " Our results showed that the local and referred pains elicited from active TrPs in head, neck and shoulder shared similar pain pattern as spontaneous CTTH in children, supporting a relevant role of active TrPs in CTTH in children."

Another 2011 article "The relationship of temporomandibular disorders with headaches: a retrospective analysis." (abstract below)found that "The TMJ and associated orofacial structures should be considered as possible triggering or perpetuating factors for headaches, especially tension-type. There might be a significant connection between TMD and headache. However, most medical and dental practitioners are unaware of this relationship. Therefore, a careful evaluation of the TMJ and associated orofacial structures is required for a correct interpretation of the craniofacial pain in headache patients, and these patients should be managed with a multidisciplinary approach."

THIS MEANS THAT HEADACHES, ESPECIALLY TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES ARE FREQUENTLY CAUSED ASSOCIATED WITH TMD OR TMJ DISORDERS.

ANOTHER STUDY FROM DECEMBER 2010 JOURNAL PAIN "Influence of headache frequency on clinical signs and symptoms of TMD in subjects with temple headache and TMD pain." SHOWED CORRELATIONS OF HEADACHE FREQUENCY TO TMD.

THEY CONCLUDED THAT "these findings suggest that these headaches may be TMD related, as well as suggesting a possible role for peripheral and central sensitization in TMD patients. Subjects with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) showed significant trends for increased signs and symptoms of TMD associated with increased frequency of concurrent temple headaches."

THIS MEANS THAT THE CENTRAL SENSITIZATION FOUND IN HEADACHES, MIGRAINES AND FIBROMYALGIA ARE POSSIBLY DUE TO TMD.

THE ARTICLE "Pure tension-type headache versus tension-type headache in the migraineur." FROM Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2010 Dec;14(6):465-9. STATES THAT IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO DIFFERENTIATE MIGRAINE, TENSION TYPE HEADACHES AND SYMPTOMS OF TMD ESPECIALLY IN THE CASE OF CHRONIC PAIN.








Clin J Pain. 2011 Feb 28. [Epub ahead of print]
Temporomandibular Disorders are Differentially Associated With Headache Diagnoses: A Controlled Study.

Gonçalves DA, Camparis CM, Speciali JG, Franco AL, Castanharo SM, Bigal ME.

*Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araraquara Dental School, Sao Paulo State University †Department of Neurology, School of Medicine at Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil ‡Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY §Merck Research Laboratories, West Point, PA, USA.
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are considered to be comorbid with headaches. Earlier population studies have suggested that TMD may also be a risk factor for migraine progression. If that is true, TMD should be associated with specific headache syndromes (eg, migraine and chronic migraine), but not with headaches overall. Accordingly, our aim was to explore the relationship between TMD subtypes and severity with primary headaches in a controlled clinical study.

METHODS: The sample consisted of 300 individuals. TMDs were assessed using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD, and primary headache was classified according to International Classification for Headache Disorders-2. Univariate and multivariate models assessed headache diagnoses and frequency as a function of the parameters of TMD.

RESULTS: Relative to those without TMD, individuals with myofascial TMD were significantly more likely to have chronic daily headaches (CDHs) [relative risk (RR)=7.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.1-19.6], migraine (RR=4.4; 95% CI, 1.7-11.7), and episodic tension-type headache (RR=4.4; 95% CI, 1.5-12.6). Grade of TMD pain was associated with increased odds of CDH (P<0.0001), migraine (P<0.0001), and episodic tension-type headache (P<0.05). TMD severity was also associated with headache frequency. In multivariate analyses, TMD was associated with migraine and CDH (P=0.001). Painful TMD (P=0.0034) and grade of TMD pain (P<0.001) were associated with headache frequency.

DISCUSSION: TMD, TMD subtypes, and TMD severity are independently associated with specific headache syndromes and with headache frequency. This differential association suggests that the presence of central facilitation of nociceptive inputs may be of importance, as positive association was observed only when muscular TMD pain was involved.

PMID: 21368664 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

J Headache Pain. 2011 Feb 27. [Epub ahead of print]
Referred pain from myofascial trigger points in head and neck-shoulder muscles reproduces head pain features in children with chronic tension type headache.

Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Fernández-Mayoralas DM, Ortega-Santiago R, Ambite-Quesada S, Palacios-Ceña D, Pareja JA.

Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida de Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain, cesar.fernandez@urjc.es.
Abstract

Our aim was to describe the referred pain pattern and areas from trigger points (TrPs) in head, neck, and shoulder muscles in children with chronic tension type headache (CTTH). Fifty children (14 boys, 36 girls, mean age: 8 ± 2) with CTTH and 50 age- and sex- matched children participated. Bilateral temporalis, masseter, superior oblique, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, and levator scapula muscles were examined for TrPs by an assessor blinded to the children's condition. TrPs were identified with palpation and considered active when local and referred pains reproduce headache pain attacks. The referred pain areas were drawn on anatomical maps, digitalized, and also measured. The total number of TrPs was significantly greater in children with CTTH as compared to healthy children (P < 0.001). Active TrPs were only present in children with CTTH (P < 0.001). Within children with CTTH, a significant positive association between the number of active TrPs and headache duration (r (s) = 0.315; P = 0.026) was observed: the greater the number of active TrPs, the longer the duration of headache attack. Significant differences in referred pain areas between groups (P < 0.001) and muscles (P < 0.001) were found: the referred pain areas were larger in CTTH children (P < 0.001), and the referred pain area elicited by suboccipital TrPs was larger than the referred pain from the remaining TrPs (P < 0.001). Significant positive correlations between some headache clinical parameters and the size of the referred pain area were found. Our results showed that the local and referred pains elicited from active TrPs in head, neck and shoulder shared similar pain pattern as spontaneous CTTH in children, supporting a relevant role of active TrPs in CTTH in children.

PMID: 21359873 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Agri. 2011 Jan;23(1):13-7.
The relationship of temporomandibular disorders with headaches: a retrospective analysis.

Cakır Özkan N, Ozkan F.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey.
Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the incidence of the concurrent existence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and headaches. Methods: Forty patients (36 female, 4 male, mean age: 29.9±9.6 years) clinically diagnosed with TMD were screened. Patient records were analyzed regarding: range of mouth opening, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) noises, pain on palpation of the TMJ and masticatory muscles and neck and upper back muscles, and magnetic resonance imaging of the TMJ. Results: According to patient records, a total of 40 (66.6%) patients were diagnosed with TMD among 60 patients with headache. Thirty-two (53%) patients had TMJ internal derangement (ID), 8 (13%) patients had only myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) and 25 (41.6%) patients had concurrent TMJ ID/MPD. There were statistically significant relationships between the number of tender masseter muscles and MPD patients (p=0.04) and between the number of tender medial pterygoid muscles and patients with reducing disc displacement (RDD) (p=0.03). Conclusion: The TMJ and associated orofacial structures should be considered as possible triggering or perpetuating factors for headaches, especially tension-type. There might be a significant connection between TMD and headache. However, most medical and dental practitioners are unaware of this relationship. Therefore, a careful evaluation of the TMJ and associated orofacial structures is required for a correct interpretation of the craniofacial pain in headache patients, and these patients should be managed with a multidisciplinary approach.

PMID: 21341147 [PubMed - in process]

Pain. 2010 Dec 31. [Epub ahead of print]
Influence of headache frequency on clinical signs and symptoms of TMD in subjects with temple headache and TMD pain.

Anderson GC, John MT, Ohrbach R, Nixdorf DR, Schiffman EL, Truelove ES, List T.

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Abstract

The relationship of the frequency of temple headache to signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) was investigated in a subset of a larger convenience sample of community TMD cases. The study sample included 86 painful TMD, nonheadache subjects; 309 painful TMD subjects with varied frequency of temple headaches; and 149 subjects without painful TMD or headache for descriptive comparison. Painful TMD included Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders diagnoses of myofascial pain, TMJ arthralgia, and TMJ osteoarthritis. Mild to moderate-intensity temple headaches were classified by frequency using criteria based on the International Classification of Headache Disorder, 2nd edition, classification of tension-type headache. Outcomes included TMD signs and symptoms (pain duration, pain intensity, number of painful masticatory sites on palpation, mandibular range of motion), pressure pain thresholds, and temple headache resulting from masticatory provocation tests. Trend analyses across the painful TMD groups showed a substantial trend for aggravation of all of the TMD signs and symptoms associated with increased frequency of the temple headaches. In addition, increased headache frequency showed significant trends associated with reduced PPTs and reported temple headache with masticatory provocation tests. In conclusion, these findings suggest that these headaches may be TMD related, as well as suggesting a possible role for peripheral and central sensitization in TMD patients. Subjects with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) showed significant trends for increased signs and symptoms of TMD associated with increased frequency of concurrent temple headaches.
Copyright © 2010 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PMID: 21196079 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2010 Dec;14(6):465-9.
Pure tension-type headache versus tension-type headache in the migraineur.

Blumenfeld A, Schim J, Brower J.

The Headache Center of Southern California, 320 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA. blumenfeld@neurocenter.com
Abstract

Primary headache disorders include tension-type headache and migraine. These headache types can be differentiated based on strict clinical definitions that depend on the patient's signs and symptoms. However, some of the clinical features can overlap, and in addition, the same comorbid conditions can occur in both headache types. Distinction between these headache types on occasion can be difficult due to comorbid conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders and myofascial pain with forward head posturing, which may be present in both headache disorders, and thus result in similar features in both conditions. Furthermore, chronification, particularly of migraine, leads to a decrease in the associated symptoms of migraine, such as nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia, so that these headaches more closely resemble tension-type headache. Finally, in some patients, both tension-type headache and migraine may occur at different times.

PMID: 20878271 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]