The TMJ joint is normally
a highly mobile joint. Each TMJ is not one joint, but two, as there is a
meniscus between the skull and the mandible. The jaw can consequently move in 6
directions in relation to the skull.The reason that tooth problems cause TMJ
discomfort is that, when there is a slight misalignment of the teeth, the
teeth wear unevenly, creating protrusions. These protrusions force the jaw
backward (usually) every time the mouth is closed. For the proper chewing of
food one side of the jaw must move forward while the other side crushes the
feed. The protrusions thus stress the jaw joints creating
discomfort.
The first step in
evaluating jaw mobility is checking the condition of the teeth. There can be
restrictions in jaw mobility that persist after the teeth are fixed. A
chiropractor or osteopath is trained to evaluate and correct jaw
mobility.
We share your caution
about injecting cortisone in joints.
Quentin Llop (as dictated to Libby)
Quentin is in a spinal rehab
hospital in Cleveland where he is very slowly recovering both sight and mobility
and appreciated your cards and good wishes very much.
-----Original Message----- From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
MJWEST02@xxxxxxx Sent: Friday, May 06, 2005 11:36
PM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] TMJ
treatment
I have searched the archives and can't
seem to find any past discussion RE: TMJ. My horse had dental
work and was power floated for points and waves on Monday. The vet said
she was tender on her right TMJ. I am giving 1 gram of bute every 12
hours for 10 days (we are on day 4) The vet told me that if she is still
sore after the 10 days, to call him and he can inject cortizone in the
joint.
HOWEVER, I want to know more about
this. I don't get warm fuzzies when I imagine a needle going into her
head... Help me out here - most of you have been there or seen it... Would a
chiropractic adjustment be a "better" alternative??
