What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull on either side of the face. When it functions incorrectly, it can lead to an array of complications, including:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Face tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
• In some cases, the jaw may become stuck in an opened or closed position
• Pain in the neck
• Ringing in the ears
• AND even vertigo.

TMJ is treated here at the Osteopathic Health Centre, Dubai.

What is Vertigo and How is it Connected to TMJ Condition?

Vertigo is described as a sensation that your surroundings are moving. Often, you will feel as though you are spinning, whirling, or moving in either a horizontal or vertical position. During these, there may be involuntary eye movements, hearing loss, and nausea.

Vertigo is often caused by an inner ear issue. However, a TMJ condition can also lead to what’s known at TMJ dizziness. The feeling of dizziness can often give patients a fear of falling. It may lead to a slip or fall, thereby not only resulting in injuries but also a phobia of going out in public places. It can have a big impact on day-to-day life.

The TMJ joint has a very close relation to the inner ear. The Labyrinth is found in the temporal bone at the head region of the human body. The TMJ is also attached to this temporal bone and skull. The Labyrinth plays an important role in the body’s balance and vestibular system (eyes, nerves, joints and bones). A disruption in any part of the vestibular system sends wrong signals to the brain which results in TMJ dizziness or vertigo.

How can Osteopathy help?

An osteopathic approach to treating TMJ dysfunction includes a thorough assessment of the head, jaw, neck, shoulders and mid-back. Due to the proximity of the jaw and neck, you rarely get dysfunction in one without the other.

Osteopaths can relieve the tightness in the soft tissue structures around the TMJ and other structures in the neck and head where the muscles of the jaw attach.

Treatment may involve:

• Soft tissue to the muscles surrounding the jaw
• Joint articulation to improve movement and biomechanics of the joint
• Dry needling to aid capsular pain and help ease arthritic pain
• Posture correction – to address any underlying biomechanics that may be contributing to jaw pain
• A combination of intra-oral and external techniques
• muscle energy techniques and isometric exercises
• Education into preventative methods such as exercises to improve posture and breathing and mindfulness advice to help manage stress
• Referral to other healthcare professionals in instances where dental care or a mouth guard are required
• Follow up exercises are prescribed to do at home for maintenance

Osteopathy treatment is a hands-on approach to healthcare that focuses on the body’s structure and function. Osteopaths believe that the body’s systems are interconnected and that the body has self-healing mechanisms. Through manual techniques like stretching, gentle pressure, and manipulation, osteopathic physicians aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall wellness. By restoring balance within the body, osteopathic treatment promotes healing and supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

We asked osteopath Youssef Youssef about his treatment approach. “I follow the five principles of osteopathic treatment when treating patients. There is no particular order for using the five 5 principles of Osteopathy however, they always apply to all patients: (pain in pregnancy, sports injuries, low back pain, headaches, TMJ pain and clicking jaw, neck pain and posture)”.

 

What are the 5 principals of Osteopathy Treatment?

An osteopath sees the body as a whole unit. Any dysfunction in one part of the body can contribute to compensations in other parts of the body. An osteopath will create a treatment plan to address the original dysfunction as well as all compensations.

Osteopathy is a principle-based practice when it comes to finding and treating a dysfunction (pain, discomfort, weakness etc) in the body.

The body can heal itself.

Movement is important to healing.

Structure and Function are interrelated.

The body is one unit.

The artery is supreme

 

The body is able to heal itself.

The most relatable examples are:

When your body heals a cut on your skin

When your body become immune after a virus infection

When bone grows back after a fracture

Osteopathy helps assist your body’s natural healing process by bring movement back to all parts in the body such as muscle, fascia, joints and this creates ease in circulation of all fluids in the body.

Movement is important to healing.

Our entire life is based on movement, without it we have dysfunction. Many spend 7-8 hours a day sitting and have complaints of headache, neck and low back pain and many other dysfunctions; this is due to the lack of movement in their day-to-day life.  Movement stimulates circulation of all fluids in the body that need to provide nutrition to your muscles and joints.

Structure and Function are interrelated.

This is a principle that helps all Osteopaths understand what is happening in your body just through its structure (Posture, muscle tone, which parts of the body are not moving, skin texture etc). Your structure is an expression of how you as an individual function in movement and in general health.

The body is one unit.

The body works as one unit, everything is connected to everything else, and you cannot have one area of the body in dysfunction without another being affected.
Your bones are connected through joints, and those joints move via muscles.  So, if one area of the body is in dysfunction it will influence the normal movement and function of the entire body.

The artery is supreme

Arteries supply everything in the body with oxygen and nutrients in order for them to function and survive. If there is a disturbance in this the body does not function optimally and its ability to heal is reduced.

Osteopathic treatment starts with assessing the structure of the body and its movement, we look for areas that have dysfunction in that movement and correlate it with the rest of the body and restore it with manual osteopathic treatment. Restoring the movement of the structures in dysfunction allow for optimal circulation of fluids and healing of the body.  I have been treating patients in Dubai for seven years, using all these principles with success.

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With a world class team of osteopaths and years and years of collective experience and knowledge, Osteopathic Health Centre has been a household name in Dubai and the Middle East when it comes to osteopathy. Call us at 04 348 7366 or email info@osteopathydubai.com to book an appointment. We can help!

Regain Your Balance

Vertigo and dizziness can be incredibly disruptive, robbing individuals of their independence and freedom. The constant fear of losing balance and the inability to enjoy everyday activities can take a toll on one’s physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, there is a solution that goes beyond temporary relief. In this article, we will explore how osteopathy, a holistic approach to healthcare, can help individuals find lasting relief from vertigo and dizziness.

Understanding Vertigo and Dizziness

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a sensation of spinning or whirling. It is often accompanied by nausea, loss of balance, and difficulty concentrating. Dizziness, on the other hand, refers to a general feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Both conditions can stem from various underlying causes, including inner ear problems, migraines, neck or head injuries, or issues with the central nervous system.

The Limitations of Conventional Approaches

Conventional treatments for vertigo and dizziness often focus on managing the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. Medications may provide temporary relief but fail to provide a long-term solution. This is where osteopathy stands out.

Osteopathy: A Holistic Approach

Osteopathy takes a holistic view of the body, recognizing that all systems are interconnected and work together to maintain balance and health. Osteopaths understand that vertigo and dizziness can result from various factors, including musculoskeletal imbalances, restricted blood flow, or nerve dysfunction. By considering the entire body and its complex relationships, osteopathy aims to restore optimal function and provide lasting relief.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Lasting Results: One of the key advantages of osteopathy is the personalized approach to treatment. Osteopaths assess each individual’s unique situation, taking into account their medical history, lifestyle, and specific symptoms. This comprehensive evaluation allows them to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of vertigo and dizziness. By targeting the root issues, osteopathy can provide long-lasting results.

Gentle Techniques for Restoration: Osteopaths employ gentle manual techniques to restore balance and function to the body. These techniques may include soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, and cranial techniques. By alleviating tension, improving circulation, and enhancing the function of the nervous system, osteopathy aims to reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes.

Empowering Self-Care: Osteopathy goes beyond in-office treatments. Osteopaths empower individuals with self-care strategies that they can incorporate into their daily routine. These may include specific exercises and stretches, postural adjustments, and stress management techniques. By actively participating in their own recovery, individuals can maintain long-term well-being and reduce the risk of recurring vertigo and dizziness.

Embrace a Life Without Limits: Imagine waking up each morning with a renewed sense of balance and confidence. Envision participating in activities you love without the fear of falling or the debilitating effects of vertigo. Osteopathy offers a path to freedom, enabling individuals to embrace life to the fullest. By addressing the root causes of vertigo and dizziness, osteopathy provides an opportunity to regain control over one’s body, mind, and spirit.

Conclusion

If you are tired of living with the limitations imposed by vertigo and dizziness, it’s time to explore the transformative power of osteopathy. By taking a holistic approach and addressing the underlying causes, osteopathy can provide long-lasting relief and restore your quality of life. Don’t let vertigo control your life any longer. Take the first step towards freedom by consulting with an experienced osteopath. Embrace a future filled with balance, confidence, and joy—because you deserve it!

Further Readings:

• How Physiotherapy can Help with Cervicogenic Headaches
• Dry Needling in Dubai: The Miracle of How it can Heal Muscle Pain?
• You Probably Didn’t Know this Assisted Stretching Technique

Written by: Zarmeena Gull (Osteopath at OHC)

Why does my Head Hurt when I Breathe?

The link between a tight diaphragm and headaches might be the reason why you experience headache when breathing in. The reasons and solutions are quite simple, read on below.

Diaphragm – This little muscle is a superstar when it comes to breathing. It’s like the Beyoncé of respiration – it’s always there, doing its thing, and making sure you stay alive. And just like Beyoncé, it can sometimes cause a little bit of trouble.

One of the things that can happen when your diaphragm is working too hard is that it can cause headaches. It’s kind of like when you’ve been singing along to Beyoncé’s greatest hits for too long and you start to get a headache – it’s a sign that you’ve been working too hard.

How Exactly does the Diaphragm cause Headaches?

Well, when you breathe in, your diaphragm contracts and moves downward, creating a space in your chest for your lungs to expand. When you breathe out, your diaphragm relaxes and moves back up, pushing air out of your lungs.

However, if your diaphragm is working too hard, it can cause tension in the muscles surrounding your head and neck. So, if you can imagine something pulling down your lower ribs, you can see how your upper body goes with it. The upper torso starts to round, slumping you forward.

At the same time, the eyes will always try and stay level to the horizon to keep you balanced; So as your torso folds forward, you would expect your head to curl with it, except it doesn’t. Your face & eyes remains looking forward.

TRY THIS: slump down through your tummy, but keep your eyes looking forward… how does that feel though your neck? Pretty jammed through the neck right? This is because there is a fair bit of extension going through your neck, causing your skull to be compressed over the neck joints.

This tension can lead to headaches and even migraines. It’s like when Beyoncé performs a crazy dance routine and you start to feel sore all over – except in this case, it’s your head that’s feeling the pain.

How can I Relax my Diaphragm?

Well, it’s all about pacing yourself. Take regular breaks from activities that require a lot of breathing, like singing or exercising, and make sure to stretch your neck and shoulders to release any tension. If you are in sitting position for too long, again get up and stretch those muscles. Another tip I always give to my patients is to put in a breading/meditation routine in just before going to sleep. Give your body 5-10 minutes of quite breathing time before you sleep. This will also help to regulate the body systems’ and allow the mind and body to relax and unwind, promoting a deeper sleep.  

And if you do end up with a headache, try taking some deep breaths to help relax your diaphragm and alleviate the pain.

In conclusion, the diaphragm is an essential muscle that does a lot of important work for our bodies. But just like with Beyoncé, too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to a headache. So, take care of your diaphragm, give it the occasional break, and maybe listen to some Beyoncé while you’re at it. Your body (and your ears) will thank you!

We can Help!

We can treat tension headache by working physically on the diaphragm and releasing the thoracic spine along with releasing first rib attachments. This will increase oxygen to muscles and help reduce stress/ anxiety. This also promotes the quality of sleep as well as improving the digestive system. Like I said, the Diaphragm is a superstar!

The Emirates Osteopathic Society, The Osteopathic International Alliance and COME Collaboration Onlus successfully concluded the 2nd Emirates Osteopathic Conference in Dubai, UAE.

More than 100 healthcare practitioners participated in this event, representing 25 countries: Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Sudan, UAE, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The Osteopathic Health Centre was a platinum sponsor of the conference, which was supported by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

This year’s conference theme was “Osteopathy as a mainstream healthcare profession”. Osteopaths and other healthcare professionals, from across the globe, shared knowledge and experiences related to the role of osteopathy and osteopathic medicine in the 21st Century healthcare systems. They critically evaluated the current status of osteopathy and debated on how the profession can further develop within the multidisciplinary context.

Watch the highlights of the conference in this short video: