TMJ Therapy & Sleep Disorder Center

The Migraine Connection
Over years of study and clinical practice, Dr. Durden has worked with a number of patients that suffer from chronic headaches. After thorough analysis, many of these patients' symptoms could be traced back to TMJ and obstructive sleep disorders which triggered jaw clenching, resulting in the classic "migraine".

In 2005, Dr. Durden launched the TMJ Therapy Center to serve patients suffering through the cycle of symptoms between TMJ Dysfunction, sleep-disordered breathing and craniofacial pain.

TMJ Dysfunction: What is it?
TMJ itself stands for Temporomandibular Joints, a complex system of bone, muscle, nerves and soft tissue located just in front of your ears. They are the most frequently used joints in the body… and are prone to misalignment, which can lead to chronic recurrent headaches as well as ear, facial and neck pain. Until recently, these symptoms, appearing unrelated, were frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as migraine, tension headache, neuritis, neuralgia, or stress.

When standard treatment remedies for these types of disorders proved unsuccessful, patients were frequently labeled as hypochondriacs, "it's all in your head", or mental in origin. These often unexplained, undiagnosed and therefore untreated symptoms are related to a group of problems called TMJ Dysfunction. TMJ Dysfunction is considered “The Great Imposter” because problems within this disorder can produce a myriad of symptoms which, at first glance, might appear unrelated to the jaw complex.

Joint Vibration Analysis, a TMJ/TMD diagnostic tool

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Treatment
Our conservative jaw positioning therapy is designed to allow the body an opportunity to heal itself. Through use of current diagnostic technologies such as JVA (Joint Vibration Analysis), Jaw Tracking, EMG and imaging to show the relationship between the jaw and skull, we are able to minimize the trauma (injury/irritation) to the joints and maximize the healing effects through proper positioning of the temporomandibular joint(s).

The proper positioning of the joint(s), using orthotic appliances, is imperative in the healing process. Physical therapy and protection of the jaw during healing including a healthy diet plan go hand-in-hand to maximize repair of the damaged tissues.

• Non-invasive therapies such as ultrasound, iontophoresis, infrared, radio frequency and cold laser therapy may be recommended for optimum healing.
• Medications may also be necessary to reduce inflammation and relax muscles to speed healing. Normal healing time is 8-12 weeks. This may vary depending on an individual’s capacity to heal and the extent of their injury.

At the completion of this therapy, usually 3-4 months, final records will be taken to evaluate for possible transition out of the orthotic appliance or the need for permanent stabilization of the joint. Surgery is rarely indicated and is always the last resort.

Read the Southern Distinction article, "Long-Awaited Relief" about Dr. Durden’s practice in treatment of TMJ Disorders, Sleep Disorders And Craniofacial Pain.

If you experience frequent headaches or other symptoms of TMJ Disorders, Dr. Durden can help you find a solution. Contact Us to schedule a TMJ Analysis and get back on the road to a pain-free lifestyle today!