Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a frustrating condition that leaves numerous Americans coping with headaches, facial swelling, chewing difficulties and jaw pain. In search of relief, many people are willing to give most anything a try. Unfortunately, alternative treatments such as acupuncture and massage usually fail to provide lasting results. That said, a new study indicates that one non-medicinal treatment could hold at least some promise.
EMG Biofeedback
A study out of the Department of Psychology at Williams College, Massachusetts recently evaluated electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback as a potential treatment for TMD. In its simplest form, EMG biofeedback involves the use of electronic sensors which monitor a subject’s muscle tension. When muscles are tense, the EMG sensors beep rapidly; when muscles are relaxed, the beeping slows. By listening to the beeps, subjects are supposed to have the ability to alleviate unpleasant physical symptoms by learning how to better control muscle tension.
Positive Results
After evaluating 13 separate studies which tested the efficacy of EMG biofeedback as a treatment for TMD, the Williams College researchers found that it did provide more relief than a variety of placebo treatments. That said, this statement only means that, when it comes to treating TMJ symptoms, EMG biofeedback is merely better than no treatment at all.
A More Practical Approach
In the real world, patients aren’t likely to find relief from TMD by using electronic sensors to train their muscles. On the other hand, countless people have found significant, lasting TMD relief when they received a treatment that targets the root cause of their problem: a bad bite.
By correcting the bite, Dr. Berry, a board-certified orofacial pain specialist with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, offers his patients a permanent escape from trying, chronic TMJ symptoms. Why seek remedies that only ease symptoms, when you can enjoy a practical treatment that will permanently eliminate symptoms by focusing on what’s causing them in the first place? To learn more about this effective TMD treatment, Contact Us today or call the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado at (303) 691-0267 to schedule your consultation.
