Craniofacial Pain (TMD / TMJ)

    For Patients

    Head and Face Pain / Facial Neuralgia, TMJ Pain / Orthopedic Dysfunction, Primary Headaches / Migraines

    We recognize that every patient experiences craniofacial pain differently. Some patients may experience TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) pain and dysfunctions (TMD) while others experience primary headaches (known as migraines, tension, and cluster) and others may have facial neuralgias, musculoskeletal pain or a combination of all. TMJ pain is one of the conditions most frequently identified by patients. This condition is caused by disturbances in the action of the jaw that is caused by many different factors. TMJ pain can exist by itself or as a part of a complex problem and is typically caused by more than one factor. Possible causing factors include macro traumas such as an automobile accident, sports injury, accidental falls, etc. or micro traumas such as clenching and grinding of the teeth (bruxism).

    Clenching and grinding of the teeth cause the muscles that stabilize the joint to become fatigued from overwork. This fatigue then leads to pain in the head, face, jaw, and muscle. Jaw problems, head and facial pain, headaches, migraines, and musculoskeletal pain are often symptoms of bigger problems or disorders being suffered by the body, similar to the way that an infection triggers a fever. In cases where the patient has not suffered an acute injury to the head or facial area, the primary cause of these problems is typically related to a lack of oxygen while sleeping i.e. an unidentified sleep breathing disorder, sleep apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients assume they are breathing and receiving enough oxygen while they sleep. However, it is important to recognize that unconscious behaviors such as nighttime teeth grinding and clenching (bruxing) are unconscious efforts to prevent suffocation. These subconscious behaviors wear down the skeletal structure and the joints over time and then lead to TMJ pain, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, TMJ dysfunctions, and facial neuralgias.

    CRANIOFACIAL PAIN SERVICES

    To achieve long term results, it is important to receive a diagnosis that focuses on identifying and treating the root cause and not just the symptoms. Once we properly diagnose a patient, we can design a custom non- surgical treatment plan to restore the patient’s quality of life.

    Adults

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    Craniofacial Pain For Adults (TMD/TMJ)

    We believe that the facial pain, headaches, and jaw problems experienced by our patient are usually a sign or symptom of a larger problem disturbing the body.

    CRANIOFACIAL PAIN SERVICES FOR ADULTS – A TREATMENT PLAN TYPICALLY INCLUDES A COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING:

    • Comprehensive diagnostics
    • A non-surgical treatment plan for rehabilitation
    • Decompression appliance therapy (short term wear of custom orthopedic oral orthotics – not splints)
    • Nutritional counseling
    • Medication and supplement regimens
    • Physical medicine treatment (Laser therapy, trigger points, prolotherapy, phonophoresis)
    • Multi-discipline Referral Coordination

    Our practice believes in treating only after the patient has a thorough diagnosis that identifies the origin of the pain and not just the symptoms. This commitment allows us to design a non-surgical treatment plan with successful, long-term results.

    Symptoms

    • Headaches – recurring or chronic
    • Earache or ear symptoms of stuffiness or ringing
    • Neck Pain or Stiffness
    • Facial Pain
    • Jaw joint sounds – clicking, popping or grating
    • Limited ability to open or close mouth
    • Jaw locking (opened or closed)
    • Sensitive, loose or worn down teeth
    • Pain or soreness in the TM joints
    • Dizziness or Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
    • Pain behind the eyes
    • Extreme sensitivity to light

    Children

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    Craniofacial Pain For Children (TMD/TMJ)

    Treating children versus adults comes with one major difference, children are still developing and have time on their side. The earlier craniofacial pain is diagnosed and treated, the most effective the treatment will be.

    CRANIOFACIAL PAIN SERVICES FOR CHILDREN – A COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PLAN WILL TYPICALLY INCLUDE A COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

    • Comprehensive diagnostics
    • A non-surgical treatment plan for rehabilitation
    • Orthopedic orthodontic development
    • Nutritional counseling
    • Supplement regimens
    • Physical medicine treatment (Laser therapy, phonophoresis)
    • Multi-discipline Referral Coordination

    Craniofacial pain is a condition that is usually associated with adults. However, craniofacial pain can develop in children at a very early age. The symptoms in children can seem milder than in adults because the children who suffer them have always had the symptoms which can include jaw pain and headaches or difficulty in normal functions of opening, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and communications. Adult craniofacial pain is onset and adults can, therefore, identify the difference between normal function and this disorder. If children suffering from craniofacial pain are left undiagnosed and untreated, the symptoms and conditions increase in severity over time and become more difficult to treat.

    Symptoms

    • Headaches – recurring or chronic
    • Earache or ear symptoms of stuffiness or ringing
    • Neck Pain or Stiffness
    • Facial Pain
    • Jaw joint sounds – clicking, popping or grating
    • Limited ability to open or close mouth
    • Jaw locking (opened or closed)
    • Sensitive, loose or worn down teeth
    • Pain or soreness in the TM joints
    • Dizziness or Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
    • Extreme sensitivity to light
    • ADHD
    • Bedwetting

    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Fernando Valley

    Stephanie

    5.0 ★★★★★

    I first heard about this place when my jaw developed severe pain.l, and it would lock up and I could barely eat!!! In the short time of 12 weeks the pain was entirely gone... and my jaw stops locking up I’m so thankful so Dr. Ariz and this treatment everyone is so nice and friendly highly recommend!

    Johnathan

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Dr. Ariz is a great doctor who knows what hes doing. I came in with a bunch of pain with tmj and now im way better.

    Maranda

    5.0 ★★★★★

    The whole staff is great. They have been so helpful and thorough as far as fixing my TMJ disorder. You really get a lot of care so it's definitely worth the money to not be in constant pain. I've only been going a few weeks and can already feel a huge difference.

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