TMJ (temporomadibular joint):      Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (TMJDs) refers to a complex and poorly understood set of conditions that can cause pain in the area of the jaw joint and associated muscles and/or problems using the jaw. Both or just one of the TM joints may be affected. TMJ disorders can affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe.  They can also range in pain from mild to severe.  If dental work has been performed in an imbalanced manner, this can cause imbalances in one or both of the TM joints.  If the nerve supply coming from between the vertebrae in the neck is impeded due to imbalances in the neck or head, then nerve signals from the brain to the muscles of the TM joint(s) will be imbalanced and cause imbalances in the muscles of the TM joint, thereby producing pressures, clicking, uneven tracking and/or pain in the TM joint(s) and surrounding facial areas.  Medical and dental professionals may supply a “guard” device to insure better tracking of the TM joint(s) which may bring some relief while worn, however such a device will not restore an optimal and balanced nerve supply to the muscles of the TM joint preventing its continued normal function.  In moderate to severe cases, both the appliance and manual adjustments to the neck and TM joint usually ensures significant to total recovery.