Conventional Dentists utilize splints to treat TMJ disorders and if it is a simple problem a simple solution may suffice. Many patients have more complex problems. Neuromuscular Dentistry is one of the most successful methods or treating TMJ disorders or TMD. The first step is a Neuromuscular Diagnostic Orthotic which is used prior to any irreversible changes. Correction of jaw problems changes head and body posture and that in turn changes jaw position. There can also be positive or negative changes in the position of cranial bones.

Dr Mark Freund works in his Lindenhurst office but also sees patients at Delany Dental Care in Gurnee for cranial adjustments during neuromuscular dentistry appliance adjustment appointments and will be seeing patients in the new Highland Park office as well.

Complex cases of chronic head and neck pain often require collaboration of multiple doctors. Cranial work combined with neuromuscular dentistry may be the answer you are looking for. Learn more at www.thinkbetterlife.com the website for my new Highland Park office. Read below to learn more about the exciting work done with cranial manipulations

Are the bones in my head solid?

Conventional wisdom regarding our head or cranium is that when we are finished developing and the bones come together in the head to form the cranial sutures, we are left with a solid bone sphere to protect the brain. This was most likely arrived upon by medical practitioners in medical school being handed a dry skull to study, which lacks any type of cranial movement. Upon further investigation it has been discovered that the sutures contain blood vessels and ligaments in the space between the bones, just like a joint. Also, in our research and study of the cranial techniques we have performed CT on the skull, rendered the cranial suture manipulation, then repeated the CT. The before and after CT’s are then superimposed to reveal areas of change in the skull. The jaw is a functional part of the skull, dependent on the posture of the neck, the bite alignment and head position; just tilt your head all the way to one side, bite your teeth together then tilt to the other side and bite. You should notice a difference in how your teeth fit together compared to when your head is straight up and down.

Effectively treating TMJ symptoms requires interaction between a Dentist performing proper bite changes and a Chiropractor aligning the spine and manipulating the cranium into a neutral position.
Dr. Mark Freund practices the upper cervical technique called Atlas Orthogonal which is a very precise, specific gentle instrument adjustment of the top-most segment of the spine. This protocol does not involve hand manipulation of the neck and is extremely safe. Additionally Dr. Freund has undergone extensive education both domestic and internationally in cranial manipulation alongside Dental professionals, Physical Therapists, Doctors of Osteopathy and Chiropractors. The unique method of making a cranial correction is one of the most important elements of treating TMJ. Unfortunately not many practitioners are aware of the technique or its’ importance.

Mark J. Freund, DC, BCAO
Natural Care Chiropractic, PC
847-265-0600
lindenhurstchiropractic.com