Dr. Forsberg's Santa Cruz Headache Blog

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2010-04-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

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Go NO Saints ! PPMs and Neuromuscular Dentistry

2010-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

The New Orleans Saints have just won the Super Bowl with most of the team's players wearing the Makkar PPM or Pure Power Mouthguards. Tracy Porter (who ran for a TD after catching the interception from Peyton Manning) is an advid proponet of the mouthguard. The PPMs are fitted using neuromuscular dental principles: putting the lower jaw into optimal position, (usually down and forward), thereby, aligning the spine. When the head, neck, and spine are properly aligned, balance, strength, range of motion, flexibility, and endurance are improved. Check out the Makkar Advantage website: http://www.makkaradvantage.com/

Using the these same neuromuscular dental principles, headaches, bite problems, and TMD signs and symptoms can often be treated. The computer scans and EMGs used in treating TMD is the same technology used to make PPMs! Check out our website: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/pure-power-mouthguard.html

How is neuromuscular dentistry used to diagnose TMJ?

2010-02-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

Dr. Forsberg uses the latest technology available to determine the most optimal position for your jaw. X-rays are taken to evaluate the condition and position of the temporomandibular joint. Electromyography measures your jaw muscle function in stressed and relaxed positions to determine if there are structural imbalances in the relationship between your jaw and your skull. Sonography records the sounds made by your jaw. This will reveal any abnormalities that are present. Also, computerized equipment is used to record the resting position and the path of the movement of your jaw.

Tension Headaches

2010-02-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

There are four main types of headaches: sinus, cluster, tension, and migraine. According to research conducted by Penn State University, tension headaches comprise of approximately 90% of all headaches. When a patient's dental bite is not right, tension can occur in the muscles in the temple area of the forehead which can cause a tension headache. Due to advancements in Neuromuscular Dentistry, Dr. Forsberg is able to relax the muscles associated with the jaw and place the bite is an optimal position. For many patients, this correction of their bite can cause their headaches to disappear. Please contact our office at 831-685-3300 or visit our website at www.advancedsmiledesigns.com.

Headache Free Holiday

2010-01-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

I just saw our patient, DL, yesterday. Her foremost complaint when she first arrived in our practice was daily, severe headaches. Since treating her TMD with a neuromuscular workup and splint (orthodic) her headaches and other signs and symptoms are essentially gone. She shared with us that this was the first holiday season in years (or for as long as she can remember) that she did not have headaches. She, as well as our team, were thrilled with her success and comfort. Please see our website at: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html

TENSing

2010-01-18T10:41:00.000-08:00

If you have been diagnosed with TMD (please see prior blog entries for the definition of TMD) your dentist may have mentioned TENSing as an option to relieve your pain and symptoms. TENSing is used when it is necessary to relax and restore the muscles around the jaw joint. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation. TENSing in the dental setting refers to the use of ultra-low frequency stimulus delivered to the patient through electrodes placed on the patient's skin. TENSing is a pain free procedure that provides relief to many patients who suffer from TMD. Please contact Dr. Forsberg's office for more information on TMD relief at 831-685-3300. Also, check out our website at: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/neuromuscular-dentistry.html.

At home tens unit

2010-01-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

According to the website http://www.myotronics.com/, the at home tens unit is "designed to allow the patient to safely apply electrical stimulation while at home to relax tense muscles. It is a battery operated, ultra-low frequency electrical stimulator designed specifically for the dental patient." Dr. Forsberg may decide to prescribe this unit to his patients for at home use to help relieve pain and muscle tension associated with T.M.D. This at home tens unit, in addition to in-office tensing, will further help relax facial muscles, increase blood circulation, and increase mandibular range of motion.

Treatment for Headaches Caused by TMD

2010-01-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Headaches caused by tension from TMD or occlusion or bite problems may be helped with one or more of the following treatments.

TENS or a gentle transcutaneous electrical stimulation to relax the facial and neck muscles.
An orthodic or dental appliance similar to a lower retainer or mouth guard to help maintain proper occlusion.
Orthodontics to move the teeth into proper occlusion.
Oral surgery is sometimes necessary.
Dental restoration of teeth to put occlusion into proper alignment.

Generally, more than one option is necessary for treatment. Please check out our website at http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html for more information or call our office at 831-685-3300.

J.B.'s Testimonial

2010-01-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

I can remember the first time I had a debilitating headache. I was in college and needed to write a paper that was due the next day. Instead of focusing on my assignment, I was stuck in my bedroom with the lights off and an ice pack on my head. The nausea caused by the pain was horrible. I figured I must have a migraine.

Over the course of the next several years, my headaches reoccurred and my arms would periodically go numb. Multiple trips to my medical doctor lead to a variety of unsuccessful medications for migraines, as well a MRI of my brain (which thankfully came back normal).

Finally, after talking to Dr. Forsberg during a routine dental visit, I became educated on the inter-relationship of the jaw joint to the rest of the body. I told him about my headaches and the other symptoms that had been bothering me for years. Dr. Forsberg noticed that I had many symptoms of T.M.D. (the disorder of the jaw joint). Dr. Forsberg conducted a series of pain free tests to locate a more comfortable position for my jaw. The tests gave him the information he needed to create an orthodic (a fancy term for a mouth-guard-like-retainer).

I have to admit that at first I was some-what skeptical that the orthodic would cure my pain. After having the headaches for many years, I was determined that the pain was a part of my daily life that I would have to accept and forever live with. I began wearing my new retainer which ended my headaches. I figured this might be a coincidence, and as a result of not having headaches, I slowly forgot to wear my new retainer. Only every now and then I would remember to put it in my mouth at night. However, a few weeks later I realized my foolishness when once again after forgetting to wear my orthodic, I awoke in the morning with a splitting headache. Instead of reaching for Advil I decided to place my retainer in my mouth. After about a half hour the pain melted away. My headache never reached the point of nausea and I was able to enjoy the rest of my day.

I am now a believer that my mouth guard is the reason why I am living headache free today. It is amazing that I no longer have to live on anti-inflammatories and pain medication on a weekly basis. T.M.D. is a real disorder, and relief is available. If you have a similar story, please contact Dr. Forsberg at 831-685-3300. Living headache free can be a life changing experience for you as well!

New Year Resolution

2010-01-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. Well, here we are into a new year and a new decade. Perhaps one of your New Years Resolutions is to call for that appointment for your chronic headache. Our office would be happy to assist you with either scheduling an appointment for an exam and consult, or just simply answering any questions you may have. Please call at 831-685-3300. Also, check out our website at: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/.

Signs and Symptoms of TMD Disorder

2009-12-30T16:41:00.000-08:00

The signs and symptoms of TMD are numerous and varied. Often they seem unrelated to the jaw joint or facial muscles, causing patients to seek care with other health care professional such as physicians or chiropractors. If you have one or more of the following signs or symptoms, you may be suffering from TMD:

Headaces
Jaw joint pain
Jaw joint noise or clicking
Limited mouth opening
Ear congestion
Dizziness
Ringing in the ears
Difficulty swallowing
Loose teeth
Clenching or grinding
Facial pain
sensitive teeth

Please check out our website at http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html, or call our office at (831) 685-3300

TMD (or TMJ) Disorder

2009-12-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

The temporomandibular joint is often referred to by the initials TMJ. This joint hold together the temporal bone of the skull and the lower jaw. The disorder associated with this joint is called temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This disorder can have an effect on the entire skeletal system. When this joint is not aligned properly due to malocclusion (which literally means bad bite), or other damage, disharmony may occur around the joint or other areas of the body. http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html

Happy Holidays to All

2009-12-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

My team and I wish you a wonderful, headaches free Holiday Season.

Please check out our website at: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html

Types of Headaches

2009-12-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Headaches are classified into four basic categories: migraine, cluster, sinus, and tension. While an occasional headaches are often treated by over-the-counter pain medications, more frequent or severe headaches should be evaluated by a physician.

Tension headaches are the most commonly experienced headache. One possible cause of chronic tension headache is an abnormal bite or occlusion. Until the occlusion issue is addressed, the muscles of the temple, jaw, face, and neck may remain contracted or tense. This tension will cause poor circulation and lack of rest to the muscles, causing pain or headaches. Occlusion issues need to be evaluated by a neuromuscular dentist. I would be happy to address any concerns or questions and I encourage you to check out our website at: http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html.

For more information on chronic headaches and neuromuscular science, please see: http://www.myotronics.com/learning.cfm?id=2

What is TMD or TMJ?

2009-12-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

TMJ is derived from temporomandibular joint, referring to your jaw joint. While the term TMJ is more of a household word,TMD or temporomandibular disorders is more widely used by dentists and physicians. There are many causes of head, neck, or jaw pain and problems, thus, TMD is a more accurate description of the condition. Please see our website for more information at http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html.

Patient testimony of headache and TMD relief

2009-11-22T14:10:00.000-08:00

Many of my patients have suffered for months and even years with signs and symptoms of TMD (commonly called TMJ) but were unaware of the neuromuscular cause of their pain and other symptoms. See my web site for these signs and symptoms at http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html.
These patients have seen numerous physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and other health care professionals including dentists whose treatment has not given them any lasting relief from these signs and symptoms. Here is a testimony of one of my patients as to the benefits of TMD treatment:

"I have suffered from chronic daily headaches and migraines for twenty years. I had been diagnosed with allergies and sinus problems; undergone sinus surgery; endured every medication on the market; spent a fortune on acupuncture, physical therapy, and hypnotherapy; had reactions to neurologic medications; and still suffered from constant headaches. I was never diagnosed with TMD because I didn't have the usual clicking or popping of the jaw. My two main symptoms were "congestion" of and pressure behind the ears, and headaches, leading to multiple visits to the ENT and audiologist. I was lightheaded and dizzy much of the time, but the doctors were never able to find anything wrong and suspected Meniere's Disease.

On a whim I came to Dr. Forsberg for a consult. He immediately told me that all of my symptoms were those of TMD and suggested we try an orthodic appliance. I have been wearing my orthodic for three months and have not had a migraine since. My headaches have significantly decreased, and both the ear pressure and dizziness have been completely eliminated.

Dr. Forsberg and his staff have been a lifesaver to me. They have been compassionate, knowledgeable, efficient and friendly. Dr. Forsberg's expertise is evident at every visit. He and his staff are highly trained in neuromuscular dentistry and are able to diagnose the correct position of the jaw with specialized equipment that standard dentists do not have access to.

I will be forever grateful to Dr. Forsberg and his wonderful staff for the blessing of a life free of migraines." Denise

If you have many of the signs and symptoms that Denise had or other signs and symptoms of TMD, check our web site http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/tmj-tmd.html, or
call our office for a TMD consultation or examination. 831 685-3300.

You may also research neuromuscular dentisty at http://www.myotronics.com/?id=2.

Sincerely,
Terry Forsberg DDS

Fewer headaches and enhanced athletic performance

2009-11-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

During last Monday Nights Football (MNF) game, Jon Gruden and the other TV announcers talked extensively about the improved athletic performance of the undefeated New Orleans Saints and the importance of a particular mouthguard in helping them to a 7-0 start to their season. This particular mouthguard is called the Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM) and only can be fabricated by dentists trained in Neuromuscular dentistry and and certified by Makkar PPM to deliver these athletic improving scientific mouthguards. A scientific study of the PPM has been done at Rutgers University to validate these claims.
The same bite that determines the positioning of the PPM Elite Mouthguard is used when providing a neuromuscular orthodic for patients suffering from headaches and other TMD/TMJ symptoms. Just as the patient suffering from headaches, neckaches, and dizziness feels much better with a neuromuscular orthodic, the athlete who is symptom free has greater strength, flexiblity and balance and will perform better. In Santa Cruz County and the Monterey Bay Area, Dr. Terry Forsberg has been delivering these mouthguards since their inception and the neuromuscular orthodics for years. Yesterday, the LA Times sports section had an article on the MNF game. Here is a link to that article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-nfl-farmer6-2009nov06,0,7429686.column. Dr. Forsberg will do a simple pen test which will show you how a better bite will probably help your headaches. Give our office a call 831 685-3300 or email us at www.terryforsbergdds@ebold.com for more information, plus, check out our website http://www.advancedsmiledesigns.com/pure-power-mouthguard.html. For those athletes who suffer from TMD, both the orthodic (worn 24/7) and the PPM (worn when they compete or work out) would be valuable!!

Do You Have Headaches in Temple or Forehead Area?

2009-10-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Headaches in the forehead or temple area of the face are quite often caused by increased tension of the temporalis muscles. These muscles play a key role in the closing and positioning of the jaw. If the bite, or the way your teeth meet and function, is off, these muscles overwork and fatigue and pain are often the result. If the bite is not corrected, this pain can persist as the muscles remain tense for long periods of time. This is often the plight of a facial pain sufferer! For more information on headaches in the temple or forehead area, and also possible treatment of these headaches and TMD or temporomandibular disorders please contact our office.

Thank You for choosing my website!

2009-10-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you for choosing to view information on my Santa Cruz I Hate Headache website. My team and I are please to be able to offer the Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties effective treatment for headaches and TMD or TMJ signs and symptoms. Our office is conveniently located in Aptos, just off Highway 1. I look forward to sharing patient testimonials, plus, additional information and research on headaches and TMJ disorders.

Welcome!

2009-09-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the California neuromuscular dentistry blog for Dr. Terry Forsberg. Please check back for additional posts.