Caren Wood is among 35% of the population with a jaw joint dysfunction with initial symptoms including head and neck pain. Ms. Wood was treated at CORE Rehab Services, Inc., for most of 2008, and in conjunction with Dr. Duane Keller, Keller Professional Group Dental Practice. For the most part, Caren is currently symptom free.

Who would think that a dentist would be consulted for relief from a persistent headache? That was the case with 48-year-old Caren Wood, Richmond Heights, who was also a patient at CORE Rehab Services, Inc. in conjunction with her dental appointments. Within a matter of visits to CORE, Caren’s headache pain was under control. One year later, Caren notes that she rarely has a headache.

It all started in November 2007, after Caren required a number of root canals. Following these procedures, she developed persistent headache pain, Caren sought help from her regular doctor, who referred her to an oral surgeon who recommended surgery. Caren’s dentist balked at the idea of surgery and suggested she see Dr. Duane Keller, of Keller Professional Group Dental Practice, who is knowledgeable of and skilled in evaluation and treatment of jaw joint dysfunction.

According to Dr. Keller, 35% of the population have jaw joint dysfunctions which has a direct correlation with head and neck pain. “When I went to dental school, head and neck anatomy and function were not taught, yet a jaw joint dysfunction has a direct correlation to both,” explained Dr. Keller, who acknowledges that “the work I do to relieve jaw joint dysfunctions could not be done without a physical therapist.” Dr. Keller indicated that correction of a jaw joint dysfunction can be done in less time and with better results when a physical therapist is involved.

Julie Hereford, PT, DPT, co-owner of CORE Services, Inc., has been working with Dr. Keller for two years. “The jaw joint moves much more than any other joint in the body and has been reported to move as much as 12,000-15,000 times a day,” said Dr. Hereford. “A jaw joint dysfunction reveals itself in symptoms, such as headaches, face pain, neck pain, ear pain, jaw pain and jaw locking or clicking. If these symptoms continue,” she said, “it is important for the patient to be examined by a dentist knowledgeable of and skilled in evaluation and treatment of jaw joint dysfunction.”

Caren Wood had nearly all of the symptoms mentioned above when she first saw Dr. Keller. By performing some skilled but painless maneuvers around her jaw and mouth, Caren said that Dr. Keller was actually establishing her functional jaw/bite position. After doing this, Dr. Keller’s treatment, with the help of Dr. Hereford, included diagnosing and treating to maintain a functional bite position.

“Physical therapy for a jaw dysfunction goes beyond simply treating the symptoms of the dysfunction,” said Dr. Hereford, “and MUST address the physical structures supporting the jaw, such as neck alignment, posture, respiratory pattern, muscle tension and function that contribute to the dysfunction. If this is not done, symptoms may improve for a time, but are very likely to return,” she said.

Both Drs. Keller and Hereford acknowledge that by the time jaw dysfunction patients seek their help, they have tried a number of sources that have not been able to help them. From Dr. Hereford’s experience, the pain suffered by individuals with chronic jaw dysfunction is some of the most challenging and difficult for the sufferer to endure.

When Dr. Hereford first saw Caren Wood, Caren had been dealing with ear, jaw and head pain for some time and was taking a minimum of 12 Advil a day. Dr. Hereford found alignment issues down Caren’s left side and began a regime of stretches and exercises that Caren continues today.

While initially attending physical therapy more frequently, Caren now sees Dr. Hereford once a week and sees Dr. Keller monthly. He continues checking and adjusting her bite as necessary using a customized orthotic device. For the most part, Caren is symptom free. She will continue to wear the customized orthotic device on her back teeth until her bite reaches its functional bite position. “Life is different for me since Dr. Keller and Dr. Hereford have been treating me,” said Caren. “I’m nicer and more patient with my son. I’m able to focus more since I’m not dealing with constant pain.”