Temporomandibular disorders - a pathway to reach wellness

This book has been written to help people suffering from pain caused by "temporomandibular disorders", a series of conditions that mainly involve the temporomandibular joints (abbreviated TMJs), which are the joints of the mandible, and the muscles of mastication. Such disorders cause a symptomatology often spreading to the jaw, to the head causing headaches, to the shoulders, neck and back. The mechanisms through which pain origins and persists, as well as factors affecting pain intensity and duration are shown, it is also indicated what changes we can make to our lifestyle to allow our body to function properly and reduce discomfort. Factors like dental occlusion, posture, bruxism (the habit of clenching and grinding the teeth), nutrition, breathing and psychological factors are examined, with information on the medications typically used for such pathologies.