Meet Alisanda
Alisanda came to Dr. Richard Klein seeking relief from cracking and popping in the jaw, headaches, and stiffness in the mouth that made it hard for her to speak and eat. Dr. Klein gave her a thorough evaluation, including x-rays, to determine that she had temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD). He performed adjustments and helped her understand the significance of the masseter muscle, the strongest muscle in the human body. He emphasized that massaging and stretching it is crucial for maintaining health.
Advanced Treatment Plan
Physical therapy played a crucial role in Alisanda’s treatment plan, helping her open her mouth wider and reduce stiffness. She also used a home transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device to massage and relax her jaw muscles, which helped control her symptoms. By incorporating these exercises into her daily routine, Alisanda saw gradual improvements in her condition.
Following the treatment protocol also involved wearing her oral appliance all day. Dr. Klein explained the importance of this appliance in helping her jaw rest and heal. He used the analogy of a sprained ankle to illustrate the concept: “I slowly convinced her that TMJ is similar to a sprained ankle and, over time, convinced her to wear her bite appliance 24/7. She understood that when a sprained ankle doesn’t rest all day, then you tap dance, it doesn’t get better. The TMJ appliance helps the jaw rest, and if you don’t wear it 24/7, the joint can’t heal.”
Astounding Results
Alisanda diligently followed Dr. Klein’s advice, wearing her bite appliance consistently and practicing the exercises and stretches he recommended. As a result, she began to experience significant relief from her symptoms. The cracking and popping in her jaw reduced, the headaches became less frequent, and she regained the ability to speak and eat without discomfort.
Reflecting on her experience, Alisanda shared, “Before visiting Dr. Klein, I was struggling with constant jaw pain and headaches. It was so frustrating because I couldn’t eat or speak properly. Dr. Klein and his team were amazing. They explained everything to me and made sure I understood how to take care of my jaw. The physical therapy and the TENS device made a huge difference. I’m so grateful for the relief I’ve found and can’t thank Dr. Klein enough for helping me get back to my normal life.”
Contact Michigan Head and Neck Institute Today
Alisanda enjoys the relief she got from her TMJ treatment, and we are happy to see her with less pain and more function in her jaw. If you’re experiencing the kind of pain associated with TMJ disorders, don’t suffer any longer. Contact Michigan Head and Neck Institute today at (586) 573-0438 to start on the pathway to relief.
