Why Is It So Hard To Get A Proper TMD Diagnosis?
TMD is notoriously hard to diagnose because so many of the symptoms are also attributable to other problems. However, the biggest problem with getting a correct TMD diagnosis is that most medical professionals are not trained to recognize TMD and simply do not understand the condition. That is why patients need to seek TMD doctors like us or dentists with specific training in TMD and TMJ-related issues.
What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
Some of the most common signs of a misaligned or deteriorating jaw joint are:
- headaches or migraines,
- ear pain,
- ringing in the ears,
- neck, shoulder and back pain,
- teeth grinding,
- jaw clenching, jaw tension,
- numbness or tingling in the arms and fingers
- jaw clicking, popping, locking
It is easy to understand how considering many of these symptoms on their own would not immediately signal TMJ to most medical professionals. Symptoms like grinding and clenching, neck, back, and shoulder pain, headaches, and tingling in the extremities are very often falsely attributed to stress, poor posture, and sitting at a desk all day. While these issues are known to exacerbate and trigger TMD symptoms, they certainly are not the cause.
The Problem with Diagnosis
People who suffer from TMD and are experiencing symptoms may seek help from their GP or dentist. These medical professionals are unlikely to have any training whatsoever regarding TMD. In fact, the TMJ is typically not covered at all in medical school. A doctor without any training on the subject will never make the connection that symptoms are related to an unhealthy jaw joint because they simply do not possess the necessary tools. Patients are likely to get misdiagnosed with an unrelated problem or referred to an ENT or other medical professional without the proper knowledge, be misdiagnosed again and again, and never receive the treatment they need to stabilize their condition. This is beyond frustrating for the patient, as it wastes their time and gives them no answers.
Find a Professional
Many dentists seek additional training outside of dental school to learn about the TMJ and understand how to diagnose and treat TMD. Additionally, specialists like Dr. Rondeau and Dr. Sep have made careers of helping patients with TMJ problems. So, if you are among the vast majority of people who have yet to find relief from their pain, contact our office, which is located in London, ON. We can schedule you for a consultation and conduct the necessary testing to diagnose your TMJ disorder and get you on the road to treatment.
