"Sue TMJ is not a dignosis of anything.  How many times do you need to
be told that? "

Reply: BTW, I noted "TMJ imbalance" in my post, not simply "TMJ."

Tim,
Thanks for your input.

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint.  In normal anatomy there are
2 of them.

As I understand it, when there is pain associated with one or both of
these joints or the surrounding anatomy necessary to effect normal jaw
function (like chewing, speaking, yawning, etc.),  this indicates a
problem that may (or may not)  be diagnosed as a TMJ disorder or TM
Disorder (TMD).

I have heard many terms tossed around loosely when describing pain
associated with the TMJ and/or surrounding anatomy like:

TMJ syndrome, TM disorder, TMJ disorder, TMJ pain, TM pain, TM
problems, TMJ imbalance ... to name a few

"TMJ syndrome" may be more appropriate when speaking about these in a
collective sense.

Tim, It is my understanding that a professional (MD or dentist) can
often make a diagnosis that identifies the source of pain, and whether
the problem may be labeled as a "TMD" and/or "TMJ disorder."

Is this wrong?  This is what I gather anyway, from information shown on
the ADA website (see below):

 (Overview) (From ADA website)

More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial
pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear,
tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the
mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.

Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close
the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These
structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the
mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ's.

The TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on
each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many
different movements, including a combination of rotating and
translocational (gliding) action, used when chewing and speaking.

Several muscles help open and close the mouth. They control the lower
jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward, and side-to-side. Both TM
joints are involved in these movements. Each TM joint has a disc
between the ball and socket (see diagram). The disc cushions the load
while enabling the jaw to open widely and perform rotating and
translocational movements. Any problem that prevents this complex
system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together
properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

Diagnosis & Treatment
A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam
and appropriate x-rays. Often, it's a sinus, toothache or an early
stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain, the cause is not so
easily diagnosed. The pain could be related to the facial muscles, the
jaw or temporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear.
Treatments for this pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle
relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding.
They've been successful for many and your dentist can recommend which
is best for you.

Several conditions may be related to TMD, but they can be quite varied,
and they are often difficult to pinpoint. TM disorders can result when
the jaw muscles or jaw joints are affected.

The joint, ligaments, and muscles used for chewing and grinding food
may all be involved. In some cases, it is not possible to clearly
determine the causes. In some complex cases, where more than one doctor
is involved, it may be difficult to get a consensus on treatment.

Some TM problems result from arthritis, dislocation, and injury. All of
these conditions can cause pain and dysfunction. Muscles that move the
joints are also subject to injury and disease. Injuries to the jaw,
head or neck, and diseases such as arthritis, might result in some TM
problems. Other factors that relate to the way the teeth fit
together-the bite-may cause some types of TMD. Stress is thought to
be a factor. TMD affects women of childbearing age more than men, or
older men and women.

There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated. Your dentist
will recommend what type of treatment is needed for your particular
problem or recommend that you be referred to a specialist. Treatment
may involve a series of steps. The step-by-step plan is in your best
interest because only minor, relatively non-invasive treatment may be
needed.

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of your clinical
examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness,
clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your complete medical history
may be reviewed, so it is important to keep your dental office record
up-to-date. Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a "cast" of
your teeth to see how your bite fits together. Your dentist may also
request specialized x-rays for the TM joints. Depending on your case,
the dentist may refer you to a physician or another dentist.

[cut]

Sue is on some kind of a campaign.

Dartos,
If the NTI works for your patients, that is great!  But what about
those that do not respond?

What about trying conjunctive therapy?    For example,  some people may
not respond well to either therapy when administered alone, but they
may have a good response when these are administered in conjunction
with one another.

Just an idea,

Sue

Only an 'A'? You deserve a Nobel prize for your discovery!