Temporomandibular joint disorder is a frustrating condition marked by vague symptoms that can confuse patients and clinicians alike. Each day, it seems researchers uncover more and more interesting information associated with this debilitating disorder, with some pointing toward potential causes many hadn’t considered.
Parental Depression
A Finnish study appears to indicate that parental depression may be a precursor which could predict the development of temporomandibular joint disorder in children. Appearing in the European Journal of Pain, the research looked at other studies dating back to 1966, which evaluated a total of 5541 children and their parents. Ultimately, the researchers determined that depression in either parent appeared to significantly increase the risk of their children developing TMD symptoms by the age of 18.
An Odd Relationship
Although the researchers offered no reason for the correlation between parental depression and TMD symptoms in their offspring; they clearly state that they believe one exists. In fact, they call the relationship significant, and suggest that childhood psychosocial risk factors appear to have far-reaching physical effects that can impact long-term health.
A Clearer Picture
Temporomandibular joint disorder can be confusing, because it can occur for a number of reasons. It also often goes undiagnosed, because it causes all sorts of vague symptoms that are tough to tie together. That said, when it comes to treating TMD, the solution is relatively simple. Most of the time, TMD symptoms are owed to a bad or misaligned bite. By correcting this problem, Dr. Berry provides his patients with lasting TMD relief; so they can live comfortably and happily.
If temporomandibular joint disorder is causing you to endure and endless battle against pain and discomfort, now is the time to act. Please call (303) 691-0267 at the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado, to learn how you can find permanent relief from debilitating symptoms associated with TMD.
