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 are recalled due to dangerous or deadly side effects and a large number of patients experience rebound headaches. These patients frequently require higher doses of medication over time.
There are many varied and diverse advantages to neuromuscular dentistry over standard medical approaches. The single biggest problem in treating headaches utilizing neuromuscular dental technology is that it can be expensive. Insurance companies are aware that 50% reduction in symptoms almost always occurs with treatment. This is a higher positive respone than almost any drug regimens. Insurance companies frequently chose to deny coverage to increase profits to shareholders. Patients who have undergone numerous CAT Scans, MRI's ,Drug therapies and surgeries without adequate control of their pain frequently find that Neuromuscular Dentistry gives amazing relief and improves the quality of their lives and the lives of their loved ones and are then denied coverage for treatment. Many of these patients have exhausted their resources on unsuccessful therapies prior to learning about and experiencing relief thru neuromuscular dentistry.
The Alliance of TMD Organizations is working to address the unfair practices of insurance companies relative to the treatment of TMJ disorders and Headaches related to the masticatory system. They are also the primary group protecting the rights of TMJ patients. There is a large group of clinicians in dentistry who believe the problems patients experience are psychosocial and not physical and want medication to become the only treatment available to most patients. They would like to take away patients right to chose non-drug alternative treatments. Unfortunately this group has enormous political influence and exert control over most research funds often to the detriment of patients. This remains true even after scandals in FDA hearings led removal of some of their members from FDA panels. There are also numerous instances of unethical conflicts of interest that were not disclosed to the FDA. Additional information on the TMD alliance is available at: http://www.tmdalliance.org/
I would like to disclose that I am a representative of ICCMO to the Alliance and that I am a long term member of The American Equilibration Society, The American Academy of CranioFacial Pain and a member of The International Academy of Comprehensive Aesthetics. I am also a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management. These are member organizations of the TMD Alliance. I am the chair of the insurance reimbursement commitee.
Neuromuscular Dental Treatment of headaches is usually divided into two phases: the initial treatment phase (pain reduction and elimination) and long term stabilization (long term maintenance of improved quality of life).
The initial treatment phase includes the diagnostic protocols established by the particular neuromuscular dentist, comprehensive exam including medical histroy review (extremely important), muslce palpation exam, range of motion evaluation radiographs. The use of EMG (electomyography) and computerized mandibular scans (CMS or MKG), sonography, ultra low frequency TENS and transcranial neurostimulation are frequently useful in understanding the variable in the course of the doctor establishing a working diagnosis. More advanced practitioners frequently wil do diagnostic trigger point injections, nerve blocks or autonomic blocks such as spenopalatine ganglion blocks.
The mainstay in neuromuscular dental treatment of TMJ disorders (TMD), migraines, tension-type headaches, atypical migraine, chronic daily headaches and facial pain is the diagnostic neuromuscular orthotic. THIS ORTHOTIC IS UTILIZED TO ESTABLISH A HEALTHY "LANDING POINT" THAT HAS MINIMAL MUSCULAR AND NEUROMUSCULAR ADAPTATION. This allows the body and all of the neuromuscular components a healthy environment to heal.
Doctors do not cure patients! The best doctors remove the impediments to healing! The body than returns to a healthy homeostatic condition. This is what is accomplished with the neuromuscular orthotic over a series of several appointment. If the patient experiences complete relief and /or total elimination of symptoms for an extended period the stabilization phase can be initiated. When patient have substantial relief but still have remaining symptoms they will determine whether they are ready for stabilization.
Long term stabilization can be a very expensive full mouth reconstruction but this is usually one of many possible treatments. Long term removable orthotics, orthodontics and semi-permanent appiances allow pain control without the expense of a reconstruction. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT THE PATIENT IS READY FOR LONG TERM STABILIZATION. The diagnostic orthotic is not a long term treatment. Frequently patients have dramatic improvements with their orthotics but do not precede to long term stabilization and see their symptoms return as the appliance wears down or breaks.
Sleep disturbances frequently accompany craniomandibular disorders and headaches. Patients with tiredness, morning headaches, nocturnal headaches, high blood pressur and memory problems usuallly need to be evaluated at a sleep lab utilizing a full polysomnograph array.
