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WebMD doesn't document EMG for diagnosing TMD

Why are WebMD's informational articles on TMD a couple of years old and don't even...

Posted by jforgizmo

Why are WebMD's informational articles on TMD a couple of years old and don't even mention EMG?

Even wikipedia calls it the most reliable way to diagnose. Under possible treatments, WebMd includes TMjoint open surgery, which it would be good to cover as the Mayo Clinic does, by pointing out that this major surgery doesn't relieve any pain often.

WebMD does not state that Botox injections for TMD are explicitly NOT approved by the FDA, that injections of paralytics at best give temporary relief, and can have long term side effects like atrophy, and possibly counterproductive seonsory and motor nerve effects, in addition to studies that show that it migrates to the brain. Since using Botox on TMD sufferers is the fastest growing treatment for those whose damaged TMjoint is causing incapaciting pain, it would be responsible of WebMd to take a stand against the use of paralytics for TMD, like our FDA.

Those dentists who have invested in diagnostic tools other than EMG, or use paralytics off-label for TMD would probably not be happy, but if EMG is the gold standard for diagnosing, wouldn't it be in the public interest to mention it?

There are also more modern treatments for TMD (bruxing, or clenching during sleep) that are not mentioned in WebMd. I tried all those in WebMD's list, including major surgery, although not joint replacement surgery (I trust the Mayo Clinic). I never got more than transitory relief, since these treatments did not stop the nightly teeth clenching, which can be hundreds of times a night, of hard clenching or grinding. This can put a lot more pressure on your TMjoint and teeth than our daily 20 minutes or so of chewing food, which is itself just rolling food around much of the time, as opposed to strong clenching or biting.

I am certain that we patients are not allowed to reccomend a product, so I won't recommend the FDA approved product that got me from having to drug myself semi-conscious every day to having something of a life again. Nor that it is as small and easy to use as an ipod nano. But if people search on "TMD EMG Botox", they will see plenty of information, some of it up-to-date. I suggest that you do NOT include "TMJ" into your google search. TMJ is just an abbreviation for the temporal mandibular joint, which is the most complicated joint in the human body. Too many people think TMJ is the name of a disease, and their searches pull up outdated or dangerous treatment suggestions.

Best of luck to all bruxers (grinders or clenchers)!

P.S. I just read a 1970 phamplet to dentists from a mouthguard material maker, which was already telling dentists that studies have shown that no matter why someone started chronic bruxing (TMD), it is no longer curable by stress reduction once it becomes chronic (a neuromuscular disorder). Unfortunately, patients are still told otherwise. If you have long been a chronic bruxer, you will have teeth problems a dentist can see come from bruxing, and possibly eventually temporal mandibular joint problems. And, your masseter muscles and temporlis muscles can beome overdeveloped. But please be aware that Botoxing either or both of these muscles will give at best temporary relief from this neuromuscular disorder, and can complicate future treatment of TMD.View Thread

Posted byjforgizmo

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