Backache and vertigo attacks?

Backache and vertigo attacks? Diagnosis at the dentist can work wonders

06/17/2014

Migraine, headache and earache, but also tense shoulders, back pain and even tinnitus: Which affected already suspects that these complaints, often accompanied by vertigo attacks, may have to do with our masticatory apparatus. Because the complex system of our temporomandibular joint is connected by nerves and muscles with head and shoulders. Many patients with pronounced symptoms of symptoms without an explainable cause have been through a year-long medical odyssey.

CMD - behind these three letters is the term cranio-mandibular dysfunction. This refers to disorders in the causal system, to which the body shows painful reactions. About one in 15 Germans needs treatment. Whether the pain underlying CMD should be clarified by the dentist.

Mental stress as a trigger
Our chewing system must be thought of as a precisely coordinated unit between the cranium and the mandible, which has sensitive balancing mechanisms. „Already changes in the micrometer range interfere with this interaction and can cause chronic incorrect loading of muscles, teeth and temporomandibular joints“, explains dentist dr. med. Jürgen Ludolph, CMD specialist in the team of dentists Falkenried from Hamburg. Both an uneven bite and mental stress as a trigger of complaints are to be considered individually and in their expression as different as each person.

The causes of dysregulation are complex. Tooth and jaw malpositions, a changed bite situation by tilted teeth and too high fillings are among them. Dr. med. Jürgen Ludolph: „Incorrectly designed dentures can have a significant impact on overall physical well-being. Also, the mental area plays a major role, because often stress triggers the muscular overactivity in the lower jaw.“ If, on the other hand, the necessary bite is missing due to teeth and groups of teeth that are too low, the misalignment is compensated by increased biting forces in order to get tooth contact again.

Pressing while sleeping also strains surrounding muscles
Nocturnal crunching in combination with mental stress such as stress unduly stresses the temporomandibular joint and damages it in the long term. The pressing of the teeth during sleep also strains the surrounding muscle pairs. In very painful form, it is hardly possible for the patient to open his mouth without restriction. Other symptoms may be clicking sounds in the temporomandibular joint and rubbing of the joints on each other.

A dentist clarifies the bite situation
With professional support a cure is possible. „Since CMD complaints are not only based on functional disorders of the chewing system, but also psychological stress such as stress can cause physical problems, we rely on a holistic treatment“, explains Dr. Jürgen Ludolph. The diagnosis is developed through a targeted and careful examination: By scanning muscles, tendons and ligaments in the chewing organ and clarifying the bite situation. The jaw mobility is also measured. Additional stress tests determine the condition of the musculature and temporomandibular joints. The team of dentists at Falkenried relies on the network of specialists and co-therapists such as osteopaths, orthopedists and alternative practitioners.

Crunchy rails provide relief
In simple cases, crunchy splints protect against nocturnal tooth abrasion. They relieve the chewing muscles and relax the temporomandibular joints. Dr. Jürgen Ludolph: „We can compensate for a false bite by grinding therapy, glued constructions, high-quality dentures or orthodontics.“ (Pm)