Most patients have never heard of functional neurology. There are good reasons for this lack of knowledge. The first is that it is a relatively new field of medicine, developed by Professor Carrick of the Carrick Institute for Professional Studies. The second reason is the functional neurology describes a theory of practicing medicine rather than a specific field. The theory encompasses multiple branches of medicine and focuses on the neuron. A doctor using this method believes the the neuron is vital to how humans experience their lives.

As with the chiropractic method of medicine, functional neurology uses a more holistic approach. A practitioner needs to look at as many areas of the body and of the person’s life to spot potential problems. A traditional neurologist can spot disorders, as can a doctor using functional neurology, but the latter professional will also try to identify and correct trouble spots that can lead to the development of other problems.

The doctors may also look at the following items:

-Making sure the respiratory system is taking in enough oxygen and releasing enough carbon dioxide
-Making sure the patient is getting enough nutrition
-The functioning of the neurons and neurological processes.

Because the field is emerging, how it will interact with traditional method is not known. Many people are offering their own theories about what functional neurology can and cannot do. The full promise of the field has not yet been realized, and its limitations are not yet known. A doctor can use the approach, but he should not abandon the traditional function of the neurologist when it comes to treating and diagnosing existing conditions. The average patient probably will not know if his doctor uses functional neurology or not. He probably will not care as long as the doctor can produce the desired results.

Find out more about our Functional Neurology Practice located in Illinois by calling our office to schedule an appointment.

The temporomandibular joint is a part of the jawbone, the mandible, that represents the superior point of the jaw. It inserts into a socket in the temporal portion of the skull, hence the temporo- prefix for the joint’s name. This joint has a special articular disc, found in the synovium or fluid of many regular joints, that gives the jaw multidimensional freedom. With this multidimensional movement, a person can move his or her jaw with rotational or translational movement. This enables a person to open his or her mouth, chew, and grind food. This joint is one of the few human joints that can regularly dislocate and reduce itself into the joint without any pain or abnormalities.

A condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, sometimes known simply as TMJ, is characterized by many symptoms, but the most common ones include:
-dull pain in the joint area when chewing or opening the mouth; by far the most common complaint
-biting or chewing difficulty
-popping or clicking sounds when chewing
–headaches
-dizziness
-jaw tenderness
-earache or ear pain
-tinnitus
-neck and shoulder pain
-reduced jaw mobility

The causes of TMJ are many, and sometimes there may not be one specific cause of the joint pain. The most common causes include
-dysfunction in the mastication, or chewing, muscles
-bruxism (grinding teeth at night)
-osteoarthritis
-trauma
-excessive chewing from gum or nail biting

The treatment for TMJ can vary because several medical practitioners can legitimately treat this condition. The most common and first-line medication treatment is using an over the counter analgesic, like ibuprofen. Actual narcotics are not recommended. Sometimes, splints and EMG biofeedback at night may be used to monitor bruxism and control excess jaw moving at night. Occasionally, a dental cause for TMJ can be treated with replacement of teeth or crowns. Surgery is generally reserved for refractory treatment after conservative and noninvasive measures have been tried.