OSB, TMJ & Fibromyalgia

Temporomabdibular disorder (TMD) is characterized by:

1. pain in the face or jaws (TMJ pain & craniofacial pain),
2. headaches, ear-aches, dizziness,
3. limited mouth opening,
4. clicking or popping sounds,
5. excessive tooth wear,
6. restricted movements of the jaw, and
7. abnormal upper and lower jaw relationships (disproportionate jaw sizes, small jaws, assymetrical jaws).

Nearly 12% of the general population (primarily women) exhibit symptoms of TMD. People with TMD also report problems with sleep, blood pressure irregularities, breathing and are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease.

Patients with TMD also have:

1. hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity to painful stimuli),
2. hyper-excitability of the central nervous system (leading to long term changes in the nervous system), and
3. hyperalgesia (amplification of pain).

This is due to “central sensitization” – when pain experienced in the peripheral tissues begin to affect the deeper (more central) tissues. This central sensitization appears to be a prominent component in patients suffering from deep pain conditions such as TMD and fibromyalgia.

The common element between TMD and fibromyalgia is central sensitization. It has been shown that stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve leads to a considerable decrease in upper airway collapsibility. Electrical or pharmacological stimulation of the upper airway musculature might potentially alleviate upper airway obstruction during sleep.

OSB (Oral Systemic Balance) custom-made orthotics in this instance works on the hypothesis that relief of TMD would lessen central sensitization which, in turn, reduces perception of pain and sensitivity to pain.