Today, dentists group temporomandibular disorders under the umbrella term “cranio-mandibular dysfunction” (CMD). This term encompasses a wide variety of disorders affecting the teeth and the entire masticatory system.

Cranio-mandibular dysfunction (CMD) is an umbrella term for malfunctions in the masticatory system that affect the interaction between the temporomandibular joint, the masticatory muscles, and the teeth, and can lead to pain and restricted movement—often caused by stress, teeth grinding, or misaligned teeth.

Typical symptoms include jaw, head, facial, or ear pain; neck tension; noises in the temporomandibular joint (clicking, popping); and dizziness. An interdisciplinary, often conservative treatment approach (including craniomandibular osteopathic treatments and stress management) is recommended.

Treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders and craniomandibular dysfunction always depends on the underlying cause. However, the clinical picture can be very complex, and it sometimes takes a little patience before initial improvements become apparent.

Jaw therapy is used for:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Myoarthropathy
• Disc displacement
• Craniomandibular dysfunction
• Conditions following a fracture in the jaw area
• Conditions following radiation therapy resulting in limited jaw mobility
• Conditions following oral surgery
• Facial pain

The goals of jaw therapy are:

• Pain reduction
• Improvement of joint function and correction of muscular dysfunctions in the masticatory system, the cervical spine, and the shoulder girdle
• Optimization of the relationships between the head, neck, and shoulder girdle

To achieve these goals, I employ a wide range of techniques (including manual joint mobilization, cranial mobilization, vagus nerve stimulation, active and passive relaxation and mobilization techniques, muscle stretching, soft tissue techniques, and trigger point therapy).

I provide patients with information about the causes of their symptoms and strategies for managing them (including posture training and tips for behavior in the workplace).