TMJ/TMD and
Craniofacial Pain Therapy
Imagine waking up refreshed. We’re here to help.
What is TMJ/TMD?
TMJ refers to your jaw joint. TMJ actually stands for the TemporoMandibular Joint. TMJ can be used as generic term for pain or functional issues related to that general area of your body.
TMD is the dysfunction or disease of the TMJ(s). It can present in many different forms which makes it complicated to treat.
What causes TMD?
These conditions are usually the result of a series of injuries which cause strain upon the joint such as: trauma (a blow to the face); car accidents; bad bite; clenching or bruxing.
Often we do not concern ourselves with the actual “cause” which may be impossible to localize. The only time the cause is clear is if you have an acute injury. In other words, you experienced an obvious trauma to the head or neck and notice symptoms very soon after the incident.
Chronic pain or TMJ usually builds up over years, the body is able to compensate, and then another injury occurs which pushes the system over the edge, and the situation becomes intolerable.
At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Chicago we recommend reversible, noninvasive therapy as the first line of treatment. In our office, this includes oral orthotic therapy usually lasting 12-16 weeks. We have a 95% success rate of addressing reported symptoms and successful weaning off the daytime orthotic. If weaning is unsuccessful, we will explore and recommend non-reversible Phase II therapy options to stabilize your condition.
Book with us today and take control of your TMJ Pain
Take Control
Imagine a life free of pain. We are here to help. Dr. Lynn Lipskis and her team have been helping patients for over 20 years who are struggling with TMJ/TMD, headaches, and facial pain.
Although ‘TMJ’ is the most common condition identified by patients, it is a component of craniofacial pain which also includes chronic head and facial pain, recurrent headaches, migraines and neck pain.
At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Chicago, we understand these conditions are usually a symptom of a greater underlying problem.
Successful treatment is based on identifying that underlying core problem. We have developed a proven process for the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial pain (TMJ, headaches, facial pain) and treatment of sleep disorders (sleep apnea, snoring) without surgery.
Symptoms and Consequences
People with bad airways often experience anxiety and other symptoms. Untreated, these issues can cause severe complications and impact mental health. Poor airway function is strongly linked to sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.
Symptoms of TMD
- Pain in the face or jaw region
- Inability to chew comfortably
- Inability to open mouth fully /comfortably
- Clicking or popping noises in jaw
- Neck or upper back pain
- Ear stuffiness
- Ear ringing
- “Something stuck in my throat”
- Undiagnosed dental pain
- Headaches
- Forward head posture
- Migraines
- Pain at the base of your skull
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling of hands/fingers
- Feeling of restlessness or unrest.
- Anxiety which often accompanies chronic pain
Consequences of TMJ/TMD
- Increased or continued pain of jaw or face
- Loss of ability to chew effectively
- Inability to open your mouth
- Increased noise, or no noise (full dislocation)
- Increased or spreading of back pain
- Loss of hearing
- Choking
- Unnecessary tooth extraction
- Increased frequency and intensity of headaches
- Loss of balance
- Permanent loss of function of hands/fingers
- Anxiety, depression
- TMJ is closely related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea and other sleep breathing disorders.
Talk With A Specialist
We look forward to hearing from you
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Treatment Options
Treatment for Adults
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Proper diagnosis and emphasis on origin rather than symptoms alone is key to successful, long-term treatment results. After proper diagnosis, a specific non-surgical treatment plan for rehabilitation is developed for the unique needs of each individual patient.
Services Provided
Services may include one or more of the following:
- Comprehensive diagnostics
- 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 point therapy, prolotherapy, phonophoresis)
Referral and Coordination
Multi-discipline referral coordination is also provided to ensure a holistic approach to treatment and rehabilitation.
Treatment for Children
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Children are still developing, so early diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial pain can lead to better outcomes. Addressing issues early can prevent them from worsening with age if left untreated.
Services Provided
Treatments may include one or more of the following:
- Comprehensive diagnostics
- Non-surgical treatment plan for rehabilitation
- Orthopedic orthodontic development
- Nutritional counseling
- Supplement regimens
- Physical medicine treatment (Laser therapy, phonophoresis)
Coordination and Support
Multi-discipline referral coordination ensures a holistic approach to treatment, providing comprehensive care and support for the child’s overall development and well-being.
Contact Us
Phone
(630) 762-8700
Fax
630-762-8703
Address
St. Charles, IL 60174
Hours of Operation
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Wednesday: 8-6 PM
Thursday: 8-4 PM
Friday: Closed