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I would recommend friends and acquaintances with a TMJ problem to go to see Dr. Dwight Romriell at the TMJ Sleep Center.
Dear TMJ Center:
About 3 ½ years ago, I was in a car accident that resulted in whiplash. At the scene, I thought I was fine. After a month of dealing with accident related issues, I had my semiannual dental appointment to check and clean my teeth. I complained about a popping in the jaw and the discomfort from keeping my mouth open and the difficulty in closing my mouth. I received literature on TMJ disorders that can result from such accidents, but because of the wreck, I set the articles aside as my life was consumed with physical therapy and treatment that left time for little else. After all, I had sustained no facial impacts. But, the back of my head hit the headrest prior to my body sliding upward along the seatback allowing my head to extend beyond the headrest. At this point, the rear of the car was popped upward snapping my head forward. Since the accident, I have headaches that do not go away, ringing in the ears, and painful muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back. These were just the more painful elements; I can no longer drive at night, read well, speak without diction problems, or understand conversations. Lights and noise are constant irritations that make all the rest even worse.
Two years after that dental appointment, my dentist performed a TMJ evaluation based on a few measurements, range of motion, and jaw noise. He suggested I wear an appliance that he had made for me and continue observation on a more frequent basis. I followed instructions for one full year, and on the one year anniversary date, the evaluation showed that range of motion was less than half in all directions and the noise levels had not changed. With this observation, my dentist recommended that I have the condition evaluated at the TMJ Sleep Center by Dr. Dwight Romriell.
I am now about to start the 5th month of treatment by Dr. Romriell. At this point, I have noted the following:
• Changes Since the Beginning of Treatment
o I have a considerable increase in the range of motion; both opening and side to side.
o There is no noisy, painful jaw clicking/snapping.
o So far I have not experienced a locking up or difficulty in closing my jaw. I will know better how this has changed after my next dental cleaning appointment.
• Disappointments
o After the initial consultation, I had hopes that the headaches would cease, but they continue. They have never really changed since the accident regardless of therapy or medications. Disappointed, perhaps a little, but I suspect that there may simply be multiple reasons that the headaches continue, and I need to be patient until all causes are identified, and a correction for each is enabled.
o Like the headaches, a continual state of dizziness accompanies me throughout the day and night. There are times that I think the headaches and dizziness are connected. For this reason, I believe the dizziness will go away when the headaches go away or visa versa.
o I have had a continual string of episodes where tender points in my neck, shoulders, and upper back/torso seem to intensify the headaches. These in turn seem to intensify the dizziness. I have learned that these points may be referred to as trigger points. I expect that as long as they remain active in my neck, shoulders, and upper back none of the other irritations will go away.
• Progress
o I feel that my treatment is going well and that progress is being made although some days it is slower than others. The cold weather seems to have an impact on the rate of progress. This may be tied to my ability to keep sensitive muscles from becoming chilled.
o I have absolutely no complaints about methods of treatment and the personnel are some of the most courteous and personable I have met. In a way, I feel my lack of responsiveness to treatment has been a small let down to the efforts of the TMJ Sleep Center staff.
o After 3+ years living with the discomforts from the accident, I had no preconceived expectations hence no unrealistic expectations for results.
o I am beginning to find that any improvement is gratifying and greatly appreciated.
• Care
o The care I am receiving has exceeded all my expectations from the beginning.
o Something I need to learn is how to unconsciously relax muscles in my neck, back, shoulders, and jaw.
• Life Changes
o I have had numerous changes to my life that began with an automobile accident 3 ½ years ago.
o I have had to relearn several skills to continue my employment.
o I am discovering that some skills appear to be permanently gone.
o My ability to enjoy my family is significantly impacted because of the inability to participate in activities with them.
o The list of life changes is quite extensive.
I would recommend friends and acquaintances with a TMJ problem to go to see Dr. Dwight Romriell at the TMJ Sleep Center.
Respectfully,
Dennis
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