TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD, TMJ)) is a syndrome known by many names and symptoms, including jaw clenching, bruxism, teeth grinding and many others. Don’t let all of these terms confuse you — they all refer to the same problem. Simply put, TMJ is a pain syndrome that leads to some or all of the following symptoms:
By far the most common symptom of TMJ is headache. As a result, TMJ is often confused with migraine headaches. Once a diagnosis of migraine is made, patients often receive treatment that includes the use of strong (and often highly addictive) pain medications. Yet when their problem isn’t resolved, they experience great frustration and may eventually resign themselves to a lifetime of pain believing that there is no solution available.
- If you think you may be suffering from TMJ, please call us immediately at (415) 817-9991 for a consultation. TMJ can be a degenerative disease, so please don’t wait!
TMJ symptoms are usually caused by spasms in the muscles of the head, neck, shoulders, and back. The spasms are most commonly triggered by misalignment between the way the teeth fit together and the way the jaw joint wants them to fit. Although this difference can be incredibly small, the body tries to automatically adjust and compensate for it, which leads to spasms in the muscles around the jaw joint and those that support the head and neck. Auto accidents, sports injuries or whiplash injuries can cause jaw misalignment leading to jaw pain associated with TMJ. While most experts agree that the most frequent cause of head and neck pain is muscle spasms, there is limited awareness of the severe pain that these spasms can create. Since muscle spasms do not show up on X-rays, MRIs, or laboratory tests that are typically ordered, the diagnosis of migraine is often mistakenly made.
TMJ Surgery Options for San Francisco Bay Area Residents
The Bay Area is a high-stress environment, so let’s face it. The stresses and strains of the Bay Area can exacerbate TMJ. What might be manageable in conditions of low stress, may become unmanageable in the high-stress environment of San Francisco. We see many patients in our San Francisco office who are looking for the best TMJ surgeon in the Bay Area. We always explain that there is no such thing as the best TMJ specialist in the Bay Area: what matters is a unique treatment plan for your specific issues, and to find a top surgeon who will work with you on this plan of action.
If you live in or around San Francisco and believe you may suffer from TMJ, contact Dr. Rabinovich. TMJ can become a degenerative problem and it’s best to have it looked at quickly. Dr. Rabinovich has extensive experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery and will create an individual treatment plan for your TMJ problem. You don’t have to suffer from headaches or endure a lifetime of jaw pain, the best oral surgeon for TMJ disorder in the Bay Area is nearby. Bay Area residents can get back to the daily grind of San Francisco life without suffering from grinding TMJ troubles.
Without a proper plan, the TMJ patient is often forced to endure a lifetime of suffering and the side effects of powerful narcotic pain medications. Fortunately, Dr. Rabinovich has developed a proven method to evaluate and treat the muscle spasms that cause TMJ. Dr. Rabinovich uses specialized equipment, called a 3D imaging scanner, to expertly diagnose and treat temporomandibular joint disorder. Our state-of-the-art 3d scanner provides us with three-dimensional images of a patient’s jaws and allows Dr. Rabinovich to deliver the highest standard of treatment and care to the TMJ patient.
Reach out for a Consultation with the TMJ Surgeon
Please call Dr. Rabinovich today to schedule a consultation at (415) 817-9991, or email us at info@doctorrabinovich.com.