TMD Examination and Diagnosis

By Dr. Dennis P. Steigerwald, DC

The National Institute of Health estimates that four billion dollars are spent on diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in the United States every year and that TMD is the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain). TMDs are a subclassification of musculoskeletal disorders and, as such, fall within the scope of practice for doctors of chiropractic.

This website was created to help chiropractors, dentists, oral surgeons, physical therapists, medical physicians and other health care practitioners more effectively recognize and treat temporomandibular disorders (TMD). While this website contains TMD examination and treatment guidelines appropriate for any practitioner and any TMD case, there is an emphasis on sudden onset cases, e.g. whiplash induced TMD.

Whiplash injuries and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are both capable of producing a constellation of symptoms. These symptoms include headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, dizziness and tinnitus. Jaw pain may or may NOT be a prevalent complaint. Doctors seeing whiplash patients must be aware that whiplash can cause TMJ injury and that the symptoms can mimic cervical injury. Timely and accurate diagnosis can minimize protracted pain and suffering, misdirected treatment and medico-legal disputes.

ORDER YOUR TMD TRAINING DVD: Shows you how to perform a 5 minute exam that is diagnostically accurate and medico-legally sound that will help you generate the TMD referrals you are looking for. TMJ manipulation is demonstrated and other treatment protocols are described in depth.