Question 1

A PHYSICAL THERAPIST TREATING MY JAW PAIN?

Accepted Answer

The jaw is the common name for the “Temporomandibular Joint” (TMJ). Orthopedic Physical Therapists are experts in the non-surgical treatment of joints and their related structures (i.e. muscles, bones, ligaments). Since joints in adjacent regions of the body can more prevalently impact each other, it is common for some Doctors and other Clinicians to narrow their focus and become experts at treating a single group of closely related joints. This is where the term “Specialist” may be applied.

Whether through Board Certification, or multiple years of professional experience along with continued education on a single body region, Specialization is important for patient care. The Spine & Jaw Pain Pro focuses on the non-surgical treatment of Jaw (TMJ), Headache, and Spine (Neck & Back) Pain. We are not a Dental practice. We’re just committed to improving the lives of the patients that Dentists and Physicians refer to us.

Question 2

HOW CAN YOU TREAT MY JAW PAIN?

Accepted Answer

Treatment is preceded by a thorough examination of the local regions near your pain (i.e. jaw, head, and spine), followed by other body regions such as the shoulders, feet, knees, and hips. There may be times when a person’s walking posture is impacting their jaw pain, thus this wouldn’t be discovered if the entire body wasn’t assessed. After we uncover root cause of your pain, we will create a treatment plan accordingly. This may include several treatment techniques in the clinic from dry needling and laser therapy of the TMJ, to a prescription for shoe orthotics and a re-training of your posture. This may also include some recommendations on altering your lifestyle and nutritional habits for home.

Question 3

IS “DRY NEEDLING” THE SAME AS A “TRIGGER POINT INJECTION”?

Accepted Answer

No. Let’s first define what a trigger point is: an area of muscle that is excessively activated yielding a sensation of tightness and pain. This may be caused by a local issue within the muscle itself, or an issue involving a related nerve originating further from the site of pain.

A Trigger Point Injection involves the injection of a of a local anesthetic (to cause numbing) and/or a steroid (to decrease inflammation) in a tender area of muscle.

Dry Needling involves the insertion of 1 or several smaller needle(s) (with no drugs or medication) into a tender area of muscle, pathway of an aggravated nerve, or an affected ligament or joint capsule to decrease pain and inflammation, promote healing, and decrease the excessive activation of a trigger point

Question 4

SHOULD I TRY “DRY NEEDLING” OR A “TRIGGER POINT INJECTION” FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Dry Needling does not involve the use of any drugs or medication, and research has shown that Dry Needling can yield similar pain improvement to Trigger Point Injections. If less than an emergency, Doctors and Clinicians often aim to attempt conservative (with minimal-to-no drugs, medication, or surgery) treatments first when addressing pain.

The effects of some interventions are temporary, leaving patients to desire additional doses. Due to the nature of steroids and their ability to break down body tissues and affect blood glucose (blood sugar) levels with prolonged use, Trigger Point Injections are limited regarding the number of injections a patient may receive in a year. Dry Needling is a safe intervention that is not limited regarding the number of times a patient may receive the intervention. Some patients receive dry needling several times per month to address their pain.

Question 5

DO YOU ONLY TREAT JAW & BACK PAIN?

Accepted Answer

The Spine & Jaw Pain Pro focuses on the non-surgical treatment of Jaw, Headache, Neck, and Back Pain. The treatment of pain in these regions may involve targeting issues in other regions of the body. Though we’re able to treat many issues throughout the entire body, we more so enjoy our region of choice.

Question 6

ARE YOU A DENTAL CLINIC?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not practice, or claim to practice: Dentistry, Dental Medicine, or Dental Surgery. We are a Physical Therapy Practice that focuses on Orofacial and Spinal Pain. We enjoy our relationships with local Dentists and Physicians, and we value the opportunity to serve their patients. If you are in search of a local Dentist, we can absolutely assist you in finding a great practice in your area.

Question 7

WHAT ARE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS (TMDs) vs the TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ), AND HOW ARE HEADACHES AND NECK PAIN INVOLVED?

Accepted Answer

TMDs and the TMJ
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) are a group of many conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in one, or both, of the jaw joints called the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and its surrounding muscles. The TMDs usually involve dysfunctions that fall into 1 of 3 classifications: 1.)the TMJ, 2.)the jaw muscles, and 3.)associated headaches. Common symptoms include pain in/around the TMJ spreading to manifest as face/head or neck pain, limited jaw motion, and clicking/popping in the TMJ when opening or closing the mouth.
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TMJ Disorder
Dysfunction associated with the TMJ may involve the joint’s bones, a small internal disc, and/or surrounding muscles. Many of these factors may result in TMJ Disorder, which is a diagnosis that you may have received from your Dentist after they assessed your symptoms. Dr. Carter will execute a thorough musculoskeletal assessment of your jaw, head, and spine to correctly diagnose the dysfunctions causing your pain, followed by a full scope of treatment techniques to address them. 
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Headaches and Neck Pain
Headaches can be associated with issues involving the TMJ. They can also be associated with the neck/cervical region (called Cervicogenic Headaches).

Question 8

IS "THE SPINE & JAW PAIN PRO" the same as "THE JAW PAIN PRO"?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are one company. Our practice has always treated issues of the TMJ and entire spine, due to their functional relation, but most Patients and Providers were more familiar with the "Jaw Pain" side of our practice. We decided to allow the "Spinal Pain" side of our practice to share the spotlight as well, as we've found that: 1.)most of our patients also suffer from related neck and back pain and 2.)many people in the community are looking for a place to receive quality care for their spinal issues to either avoid or recover from surgery.

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The Spine & Jaw Pain Pro

Kenneth M. Carter, PT, DPT

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