CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction) treatment in Hanover
Temporomandibular joint diagnostics and therapy
The temporomandibular joint is unique in the body in terms of its structure and function. This uniqueness lies in the enormous mobility of the lower jaw in various directions. Two joints act simultaneously on each side of the jaw, so four partial joints enable enormous mobility. The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of the ear and connects the upper and lower jaw. If you place both hands on the area in front of the ears and move or open your mouth, you can feel the processes in the joints.
CMD – Anatomy & Dysfunction
The importance of healthy and well-functioning temporomandibular joints and their positive effect on the body is often underestimated. Where is the temporomandibular joint located, how can I tell if it is working well and what does it have to do with the rest of my body? That is a legitimate question, which we will be happy to answer.
What is CMD – craniomandibular dysfunction
In simple terms, the temporomandibular joint consists of two movably connected bone structures, a cartilaginous joint disk (the discus) between them and surrounding holding, moving and supporting structures such as muscles, ligaments and the surrounding joint capsule. The health and thus the faultless function of the joint is only guaranteed in the long term if these structures are in a balanced equilibrium. The stability of this balance can be severely disrupted by an incorrect tooth or jaw position or by an incorrectly dimensioned or worn denture. If this condition persists for a long time, the temporomandibular joint cannot compensate for this malposition for long and partial or complete displacement of the joint disk (disc) may occur.
Initially, this shift only occurs when the mouth is closed or half-open. However, if you then open the mouth completely, this disk springs back into place. This is a process that you as a patient will perceive as a more or less strong cracking noise.
This is of course a serious warning signal, because craniomandibular dysfunction = CMD can have far-reaching consequences for spinal functions.
The cracking may stop over time, but this does not mean that the condition has improved. If pain and a reduction and/or deviation of the mouth opening to one side occur in this context, there is a serious suspicion of a total persistent displacement of the articular disc, i.e. the disc lies in front of the joint without function and in a disruptive manner instead of protecting its structures against each other. Now the cartilaginous parts of the joint rub directly against each other and wear out, i.e. they become thinner. This can change the position of the jaw. The position of the lower jaw becomes asymmetrical and the bite deteriorates.
Total body correlations
Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) is always associated with overuse of the muscles of the head, neck and back and therefore leads to postural misalignment (distortion of the spine). Subjectively, the disorder can remain asymptomatic for a long time, but in many cases this results in muscle pain in the head area, tension headaches, but also pain and signs of wear and tear in distant parts of the human body such as the spine, pelvis and knee joints. It is worth noting that in many cases the malfunctioning temporomandibular joint that is causing the pain manifests itself much later or not at all, but the peripheral structures involved in posture are affected by the temporomandibular joint disorder.
CMD treatment Hanover
Recovery of the temporomandibular joints with or without clicking is not possible without a three-dimensional reorientation of the lower jaw. Modern diagnostic methods allow us to make a differentiated and patient-specific diagnosis in most cases. We also have access to magnetic resonance imaging, an excellent imaging technique for visualizing the temporomandibular joints without exposure to X-rays. The actual therapy is carried out with the help of a special splint tailored to your jaw problem, COPA (craniomandibular orthopaedic positioning appliance), an almost invisible, removable appliance for the lower jaw that you will soon get used to. In addition, improved cranio-sacral function is required in almost all cases, which we support through treatment, among other things. Manual osteopathic treatment may also be necessary.
