TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is usually caused by spasms in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, head, and upper back, and these spasms are commonly triggered by a misalignment between the way that the teeth fit together and the way that the jaw joint wants them to fit. 
TMJ can be caused naturally, or it can be the result of whiplash injuries, sports injuries, or accidents. It is known by many other names including bruxism, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and more.
One of the major symptoms of TMJ is headaches, and these are very often wrongly diagnosed as migraines, because muscle spasms in the head and neck do not show up on X-rays, MRI scans, or laboratory tests. The result is that patients are often prescribed strong painkillers – with all the side effects those can produce – yet find that they still have the problem. This leads to understandable frustration and they may eventually resign themselves to living in pain in the belief that there is no answer to their problem.
However, a TMJ surgeon in San Francisco such as our Dr Rabinovich does understand the problem and can identify it and correct it with the appropriate surgery. Dr Rabinovich has a state-of-the-art 3D scanner which is far superior to X-rays and can diagnose the problem accurately. As a specialist TMJ surgeon in San Francisco he can then plan your surgery accordingly.
Not Just Headaches
TMJ symptoms are not just restricted to headaches, but may also produce aching or stiff neck and shoulders, backaches, jaw pain, earaches, facial pain, tooth pain, teeth grinding (also known as bruxism), clicking of the jaw joint, numbness in toes and fingers, and even vertigo. If you have any of these symptoms you should consult Dr Rabinovich, because TMJ disorder can be progressive – which means that it will only get worse if not attended to.
Stress can also add to the problem of TMJ. Let’s face it: San Francisco and the Bay Area in general is a high stress environment and stress can make the symptoms of TMJ worse. If you lived somewhere out in the backwoods you might be able to deal with it, but the pace of life in San Francisco is nothing less than hectic.
If you think that you might need a TMJ surgeon in San Francisco make an appointment to see Dr Rabinovich. He offers a completely free consult to all patients and you can book an appointment by clicking on the Contact Us link at the top of the page, or by phoning the office on (415) 817-9991.