A recent study sought to alleviate TMD symptoms by using a combination of physical therapy and anesthesia injections. In conducting their study, the researchers recruited twenty subjects and separated them into two groups. The first group received an eight-week cycle of bupivacaine injections to block pain; while the second group received both injections and physical therapy. Ultimately, although participants in both groups showed improvement; subjects in the second group showed better results, indicating that a combination approach may be an effective way to treat people who suffer from TMJ disorder.
Unrealistic Approach
While interesting, this recent study doesn’t yield practical solutions for treating TMJ pain in the real world. People who suffer from this difficult disorder don’t usually have time for expensive physical therapy sessions. They also aren’t likely to seek out repeat bupivacaine injections from their physicians. On the other hand, numerous TMD sufferers have found permanent relief from TMJ in the form of neuromuscular dentistry such as oral orthotics or reconstructive procedures, which eliminates TMD symptoms by correcting the bite and restoring balance to the jaw joint. Every day, we seem to hear about some research study aimed at finding a new way to treat temporomandibular joint disorder. While these studies may prove interesting; they aren’t necessary for people who have corrected their TMJ by correcting their bite. To learn about this effective treatment for TMJ disorder, contact Dr. Siegel’s office today
