Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) refers to pain and dysfunction of mastication muscles (chart 1-3) and Temporomandibular joint (chart 4). Patient often complains of pain and limitation of opening and/or closing of mouth. As a result, patient has difficulty with eating, especially eating foods that requires biting.
TMJD is far from well understood, and many patients experience difficulties to find “right” doctor to fix the problem. The involved muscles and joints (chart 1- 4) are known by doctors, and the others involved structures are not known by most doctors. When doctor Leng see the patient, he will assess the above-mentioned structures and other associated structures, such as cervical joints and muscles, tender points in the arm and feet. The common tender points are shown in chart 5. If you are suffering from TMJD, you can press on the marked red area and feel whether it is painful. If you have suffered for over 3 months, probably you will find medial or lateral side of the bones in the marked area are very tender to pressure.
An individual plan of will be made after evaluation to address the specific problem identified, including joint, muscle, tender points. A combined plan including physical therapy and acupuncture will address all above problems. Generally, pain relieve can be expected at the first visit.