TMJ Disfunction

TMJ dysfunction is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint caused by a dysfunction of the mandibular muscles,  the cartilage between the bones or due to one’s occlusion (bite). The mandible acts as a hinge connecting the jaw bone to the skull. TMJ Disorder, a type of temporomandibular (or TMD) disorder, can cause pain in the jaw joint or in the muscles that control movement. Poor posture, clenching, grinding, gum chewing and arthritis can all be causes. Upper neck stiffness also greatly affects TMJ.

Headaches

Headaches are defined as pain and or pressure to the head (including the forehead, the base of skull, the vertex and temple region).  The causes are numerous, however include muscle tension of both neck and jaw musculature, a vertebral dysfunction of the neck and poor posture. The pain can be on one or both sides, often isolated to a certain region. The pain can be described as sharp or a dull ache.

Migraines

Migraines are a disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that are often moderate to severe in nature. They are often pulsating and affect one half of the head. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound or light and even smells. They may be preceded by an aura for some.  They are said to be vascular in cause and aggravated by certain foods or environmental causes.

Concussion

Concussion is the term used to define a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained by an accident such as whiplash or following an impact trauma. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, poor concentration and memory, sensitivity to light, sound and smells and motor control issues affecting balance.

Whiplash

Neck Pain

Neck pain can be due to a multitude of causes, including muscle tension, arthritic changes, poor ergonomics, or secondary to a postural dysfunction. Treatment is based on the cause at hand, but includes both a manual approach, exercises and education.

Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain is the term used to describe pain to the head and facial region, including the eyes, nose, ears and mouth. The cause is often muscular or neural in nature and requires specific individualized care.

Back Pain

Back pain like neck pain, is due to a wide variety of causes. Generally pain is often localized to the midback, lower back or even pelvic region. Sources of pain include arthritic, muscular, myofascial and even postural.

Cervical Dystonia

Dystonia or spasmodic torticollis is a condition whereby the neck muscles contract into rotation or extension, causing a tilting or twisting of the head. It can be both painful and limiting functionally. The causes are numerous but include various neurological dysfunctions.

Torticollis

Torticollis is a term used to define an abnormal asymmetric position of the head.  The cause in babies and infants are often cervical or cranial in nature and responds well to gentle stretching and cranial work. In adults, treatment is conducted manually.

Dizziness

Dizziness is described as a feeling of unwellness. One may feel unsteady on one’s feet or the impression that one is swaying. Causes of dizziness are numerous, and include inner ear issues, neck dysfunctions, cranial issues and TMJ disorders to name a few. Dizziness can be induced by a whiplash or following a concussion.

Vertigo

Vertigo refers to a specific form of dizziness, described as the sense of spinning. The person may feel they are spinning or have the sensation that the room is spinning around them. It is secondary to a range of conditions. It can happen when there is a problem with the inner ear, brain, or nerve pathway.

Balance Issues

Balance is defined as the ability to remain upright with steadiness.  Balance is tested both at rest (static) and dynamically. A balance issue is caused by a multitude of dysfunctions, including a central nervous system condition of the brain or even concussion. Balance is often affected with back issues or lower extremity injuries.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful condition affecting the fifth cranial nerve responsible for both sensation of the face and muscles of mastication. Those suffering from this neurological dysfunction may find it painful to chew, to feel the wind on their face or even brush their teeth. Potential causes include neural entrapment, decreased circulation or muscular tension. Many people with trigeminal neuralgia require medication to reduce the degree of nerve pain.

Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy is a condition in which the facial muscles are temporarily paralyzed or weakened on one side of the face. The cause is said to be viral in nature, however the 7^th cranial nerve can also be entrapped along its trajectory.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is defined as perceiving noise or ringing from the ear. It can be both high pitched or low, as well as intermittent or constant in nature. Causes include injury to the ear and loss of circulation.  However the muscles of the jaw and or neck can have an effect on auditory (8th ) nerve.

Plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly is the term used to describe a deformity of the cranial vault system, resulting in cranial asymmetry. Often, one side of the head or the back of the head is flattened. This is seen at birth or within a few months of being born. Osteopathic treatment is used to help reduce mild forms of this condition.

Orthopaedic conditions

An orthopaedic condition is a general term used to describe musculoskeletal injuries, including tendonitis, bursitis, strain of a muscle or sprain of a ligament.  These issues can be found at the extremities or at the spinal level. Overuse injuries are considered orthopaedic in nature. They are the most common types of injuries.

Ménières

Ménieres is defined as an inner ear condition affecting one’s hearing, balance and head. Symptoms include tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness and headache.  Most often, only one ear is affected. Causes are not yet well-known or understood, however some known triggers include stress, fatigue, pressure changes, certain foods, including salt. The attacks can be mild or severe, requiring medication such as those used for motion sickness.