Researchers at the Department of Psychology at Williams College, Massachusetts recently evaluated electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback to see if it would help relieve symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). In short, EMG biofeedback involves the use of sensors which are placed on a subjects skin to help monitor muscle tension. When muscles are relaxed, the sensors beep slowly; when muscles tense, the sensors beep quickly. By listening the this beeping, TMD sufferers are supposed to develop the ability to relieve their symptoms by learning to relax their muscles.
Did it Work?
After pouring over several studies that tested EMG biofeedback on TMD sufferers, the Williams College researchers discovered that the treatment did offer more relief than placebo remedies. With that being said, this study only proves that, when it comes to relieving symptoms of temporomandibular disorder, EMG biofeedback is simply better than nothing.
A More Realistic Approach
In the real world, people aren’t likely to find TMD relief by learning to train their muscles through the use of electronic sensors. Contrarily, numerous TMD sufferers have found very real, lasting relief from their symptoms when they find a treatment that addresses the source of their problem: a misaligned bite. By fixing their bites, Dr. Siegel provides his patients with a permanent solution to chronic TMD symptoms. Why try treatments that only offer temporary relief, when you can enjoy a simple TMD remedy that will permanently relieve your problem by focusing on its root cause? To learn more about this effective treatment strategy, contact Dr. Siegel’s office today.
