Question
Hello Doc...I have TMD and since I changed to a hard bite splint that I now wear every night....For the past 5 months, I have been having spasms (huge knots) under both clavicles and...eye twitches in both eyes. I have stopped all caffeine, tried to get more sleep, and to decrease my stress...all suggestions from my O.D. husband. I have been receiving chiropractic and acupuncture treatment for months and have only sporadic relief. I just started wearing a softer splint and am wondering if the nightly clenching that I had been doing with the hard splint could have possibly started and then kept the whole cycle going. If the soft splint idea does not work...I fear that I am left with botox injections...eight in my jaw or for the eye twitch. ....Would love to hear if you had any suggestions on if you think my hypothesis held any merit and any guidance you may have for my chiropractor.....HELP AND THANKS!

Answer
Hello Lorrie,

   Yes, the hard splint may have caused some of your symptoms.  You will definitely know when you switch over.  When treating TMD it is important to work on the affected muscles inside and outside of the jaw (especially the pterygoids).  This may greatly reduce tension, improve motion, and decrease pressure on the nerves (which may help the eye).  Also specific soft tissue work on the tightened muscles in the neck will help reduce tension on the head/neck/skull.  Doctors of Chiropractic who specialize in soft tissue/sport injuries focus more on the aforementioned treatment.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.