TMJ

HEADACHE, FACIAL PAIN AND “TMJ”

Many people have headaches that are caused by muscle fatigue and muscle spasm.  Muscle spasm can refer pain to a variety of locations and mimic an amazing number of medical and dental conditions. Often these pains are also caused by parts of the nervous system.

The Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) can have arthritic changes that causes joint sounds and  pain with muscle pain and spasm.

The most frequent complaints include:

• Limited opening of the jaw
• Jaw joint sounds (clicking and grinding),
• Grinding and clenching of teeth
• Eye and Ear pains
• Dizziness

Physical stress (posture, irregular growth patterns, joint problems, postural and body mechanics, habits, accidents, etc.) and emotional stress can create a confusing array of symptoms which do not fit any one pattern that many physicians and dentists can identify. Unfortunately, people may see several physicians and dentist, be given medications and treatments for symptomatic relief, and be told that the cause of their pain is unknown.

Headache and pain specialists today believe that the nervous system and muscles of the head and neck have a direct link to headache and face pain. If a way is found to ease the pain, then there is a good chance that it can be either stopped or managed at a tolerable level.

OUR CLINICAL AND PRACICAL GOALS

We inform the patient of available alternatives and help the patient choose the course of treatment best suited to his or her needs.

TMJ pain

can often be managed

without surgery.

After several months of treatment and management, the patient’s progress is re-evaluated to determine if other therapies are needed. The patient and Dr. Lockerman work together to evaluate past therapies and plan for future treatments.

While we cannot guarantee a cure, we strive to ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate diagnosis and management plan. If, however, the patient cannot benefit from our knowledge and experience, we will refer to an appropriate facility or specialist.

Dr. Lockerman’s Approach

Dr. Lockerman uses an inter-disciplinary approach to diagnosis and manage headache, facial pain and TMJ Temporo-Mandibular Joint (Jaw Joint) problems. Consultations with a variety of specialists are made when necessary. A summary of the diagnostic findings, management plans and prognosis is sent the referring doctors and patient.

Much confusion exists with head and neck pain management and “TMJ” disorders due to its complex nature and involvement of different specialties.

It is usually not necessary to have many X-rays and expensive testing to diagnosis and manage pains related to the TMJ and other tension type headache pains.

Dr. Lockerman has been helping people with head and neck pain diagnosis and management since 1983. He is Board Certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Orofacial Pain and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

During his career he has been involved in the following:

• Clinical Instructor of Oral-Facial Pain, Tel Aviv University University Dental School TMJ Clinic
• Instructor of Surgery Univ. of Massachusetts Medical School
• Instructor in Neurology Harvard Medical School
• Headache Center Dept of Medicine, Division of Neurology , Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Medical Staff NorthEast Regional Headache Center, Worcester, MA
• Pain Management Center Department of Anesthesia Yale New Haven Medical Center
• TMJ Pain Clinic (Team member) Dept. of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery Univ. of Connecticut Dental School

Dr. Lockerman is a dental consultant to several accredited sleep centers