Cervical Range of Motion & TMJ
Sure, TMJ disorders can respond very well to acupuncture. But it isn't just needling ST7 or SI19. And it isn't just ashi needling or needling the masseter motor point.
In fact, before you put any needles in, you should go through an assessment. How else will you know why the patient has TMJ pain and how to treat it?
One important part of the assessment is the exam. During the exam, we need to check the patient's cervical Range of Motion (ROM). There must be cervical extension in order for the jaw to function properly. Go ahead and try it! Open your mouth like you're taking a big bite and you will notice your head tilts back.
A 2003 study found that all participants with TMJ complaints had either reduced or no cervical extension.
If your TMJ patient has reduced or absent cervical extension (their head doesn't tilt back), then you will have to address the neck.
January’s webinar is here! This one is a favorite of mine because it includes the fascial lens when teaching the movement of the foot and ankle. It cover anatomy, fascia, and accessory motion of the foot and ankle. Definitely worth checking out.
Give this a read after you watch the video: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7689775/
Join us Saturday February 28th at 12:30 pm EST!
Live lab is back this Saturday! Let’s nerd out together! 🤓
NOTE: registration is required 👉🏽 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/T0US6enHT5ywbo-ebRN_IQ
@Exstoreman 62 year old female with Left Lateral Leg Pain. Constant pain radiating down lateral left thigh and calf into foot with numbness and cold feeling primarily in big toe and pins-and-needles sensation throughout upper foot. Whole foot is very sensitive. Leg feels heavy.
Began 2 years ago with sudden severe low back pain. Toes in L foot suddenly went numb and went up side of leg.
See attached MRI report.
She's otherwise very healthy and has NO LBP whatsoever. Walks 4-5 miles/day. Skis (and notices it’s harder to turn with left leg).
Have treated her 5 times so far (weekly), treating MPs and doing renovation with no improvement in symptoms except for after the 3rd visit her leg felt a bit lighter, but just for a few hours. Also, SLR is improved.
Wondering if there's anything else I can try? MRI mentioned drop foot (no symptoms now) - should I treat the peroneal nerve (as discussed in recent LIVE)? Other ideas?
1st EXSTORE Scan:
ROM:
SLR: L-50 / R-60 (limited by hamstring tightness)
Inhibition:
- L TFL
- R ...
