Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: One name for two diagnoses

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint are a source of distress and dysfunction for an estimated 10 million Americans. Additional distress occurs when both patient and medical practitioner attempt to accurately identify the problem because Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) is one name for two diagnoses. One diagnoses, joint TMD, presents with measurable structural damage to the cartilage and ligaments located within the joint itself. The other, muscular TMD, presents as a painful condition of the muscles involved in chewing, and often involving the muscles of the scalp, base of the neck and shoulders. Sometimes both conditions occur simultaneously. Using her signature "taking the box out of thinking" approach, Dr. Mormile boldly identifies and explains both to clinicians and patients alike. About the author: Catherine Mormile, PT, DPT, OCS, MA, OTR/L With a background of independent thinking, academic excellence, and scientific inquiry, doctor of physical therapy Catherine Mormile forged a personal recovery after surviving a near-death experience and subsequent traumatic brain injury while competing in an Alaskan sled-dog race. Upon recovery, she successfully wrote and illustrated this book at her Knik, Alaska homestead shared with her husband and more than thirty furry animal companions. Dr. Mormile has successfully treated thousands of TMD patients in her private practice in Anchorage, Alaska, and now she offers her one-of-a-kind way of thinking and approach to the nagging problems of TMD to all.