DR BENJAMIN RAHMEL
MBBS (QLD), BDSC (QLD), BSC (QLD), FRACDS (OMS)
RN ANN BURBIDGE
BN (QLD), GRADDIP COSMETIC NURSING (WA)
sore jaw no more
Clenching, grinding and stress are a common cause of jaw pain and headaches. Find out how injectable muscle relaxants can provide relief.
The Temporomandibular Joint, otherwise known as the TMJ, is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Functioning as both a hinge joint and a sliding joint, the TMJ allows us to talk, chew and yawn. TMJ dysfunction is a common condition. According to the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, 35 million people suffer from TMJ pain and it is the second leading cause of muscular skeletal problems behind back pain. Dysfunction of the TMJ can lead to localised pain and limited jaw movement. Symptoms can include tenderness, headaches, neck pain, jaw-locking or clicking. Contributing factors may include grinding or clenching of the teeth, stress or trauma. Diagnosing TMJ disorders is based on a patient’s medical history and physical examination. Patients are evaluated and their habits are assessed with the goal of managing the disorder, alleviating pain, assessing the need for analgesic medications and improving function. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons specialise in treating the face, jaw and mouth. Owner of Townsville Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr Ben Rahmel, is a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery with more than 10 years of experience in facial anatomy and physiology. He holds degrees in medicine, surgery and dental science. His accomplished team includes Ann Burbidge, a registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience as a surgical nurse. Ann has also completed a two-year graduate diploma in cosmetic dermal science and is a qualified cosmetic nurse. Both Ben and Ann are constantly training to keep up-to-date with the latest medical research, which suggests that muscle relaxants can be useful in treating TMJ disorders. There have been several studies and reviews that show muscle relaxants provide long-term relief for TMJ dysfunction related to muscular causes. With treatment there is often reduced duration, intensity and frequency of symptoms. 46
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The Face Clinic by Townsville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialises in therapeutic and cosmetic injectables. The clinic can provide a full range of therapy options for TMJ patients including referrals for bite splints, medications, muscle relaxants and in some cases surgery. The team works closely with physiotherapists to achieve the best outcomes for patients. If you are experiencing persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, speak to your GP, Dentist or Physiotherapist about a referral to Townsville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to discuss possible causes and treatment options. Alternatively, if you would like to know more about cosmetic injectables please phone 4771 4443 to make an appointment. Suite 2, Lister House, 9–13 Bayswater Road Hyde Park, Townsville 4771 4443 www.tsvoms.com COSMETIC TREATMENTS: • Frown and Forehead lines • Eye wrinkles • Nose and Chin lines • Mouth corners MEDICAL TREATMENTS: • TMJ pain • Jaw clenching • Headaches related to parafunctional habits