99 University Place, 5th Floor
(between 11th and 12th St.)
New York, NY 10003
212-677-5633
Email: bodycentralnyc@aol.com

Spa Finder Special Issue -- The Secluded Caribbean
"Jaw Lines"

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the upper and lower jaw. Problems with it, known as TMJ disorder or simply TMJ, can trigger pain in the head, upper back, neck, shoulders, and ears.

TMJ is said to affect up to 15 percent of Americans. The leading causes are a bad bite, grinding the teeth (often in one's sleep), and excessive gum chewing. While there is no cure, there appears to be a consensus among dentists on one point: Surgery should be the last resort, and even it may not offer a permanent solution.

Moreover, while the jaw itself might be strong, as E. John Moreno, D.M.D., stresses, "The TMJ is such a delicate point." (indent) Nonsurgical treatments include cutting down on gum chewing, jaw exercises, massage, and wearing tooth guards at night to minimize grinding. Muscle relaxants and pain medication are the next-to-last resort, because besides causing drowsiness, they can wear down the teeth and force the jaw to swing to one side of the mouth.

The good news is that many cases simply run their course after several days or weeks. One expert on TMJ is Jo Ann Weinrib, D.C., the director of New York City's Body Central wellness center, who has brought her experience as a chiropractor and nutritionist to bear in treating TMJ. Her treatment course might include ultrasound, moist heat applications to the neck, a homeopathic anaigesic (which she helped develop), cranial adjustments, facial massage, and nutrition guidance ("no hard foods at first."

To book an appointment, give us a call at 212-677-5633.