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Living with TMJ Disorders – A Team Approach

My wife Elizabeth and I have been living with TMJ Disorders for the last 28 years. Yes, I say... Read more

In with the New, Stuck with the Old

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Associated Conditions

Aug 13, 2010

What Conditions May Overlap with TMJ Disorders?

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorders, and vulvodynia.

Current research indicates that these conditions frequently coexist or 'overlap,' yet all of the disorders are poorly understood. Research on the overlap of these conditions is in its infancy, so we don't know how/why they are connected. There are many unanswered questions. Some people suffer from two conditions, while others have three or more.  In some cases, individuals suffer from one condition for many years before developing a second or third.  In other cases, individuals experience symptoms of several conditions simultaneously.

The following are health conditions that may co-exist with TMJ Disorders:

Allergies Irritable bowel syndrome
Cardiac arrhythmias Meniere's Disease
Chronic fatigue syndrome Movement disorders
Chronic headaches - migraine & tension Multiple chemical sensitivity
Dizziness Rheumatoid arthritis
Ear pain Sleep disorders or disturbances
Endometriosis Tinnitus (ear ringing)
Fibromyalgia Vestibular Disorders
Generalized pain conditions Vulvodynia
Interstitial cystitis  
   

Following our fifth scientific meeting,view TMJ Science, Volume 5, Number 1, June 2009 (.pdf), six independent nonprofit organizations came together to form the Overlapping Conditions Alliance (OCA).

The OCA promotes research into the underlying connection(s) between coexisting conditions.  As part of this effort, the Alliance has informational websites - www.overlappingconditions.org and www.EndWomensPain.org.

Site Operated by The TMJ Association, Ltd. (TMJA) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. TMJA. ©2008-2009. Produced by 11th Hour Solutions.

This Web site is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This Web site is not a substitute for such advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always consult your doctor if you have questions about your health condition or before starting any treatment. The TMJA is unable to provide doctor referrals and does not endorse any particular health care professional or organization. Reliance on any information provided by TMJA, TMJA employees, others appearing on the Web site at the invitation of TMJA, or other visitors to the Web site is solely at your own risk.