When you hear the words “jaw pain” or “facial pain,” you probably think of the TMJs (temporomandibular joints/jaw joints), which are the site of pain for patients who have TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder; many people refer to this disorder as simply “TMJ”). However, TMJ/TMD isn’t always...
You’re probably aware that sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your health and safety, especially if you’re someone who struggles to get good sleep (or any sleep at all, for that matter). Anyone who has struggled with insomnia knows how incredibly frustrating it is to...
“Can I buy a CPAP machine without a sleep study?” There are a couple of reasons that people might ask about this. Perhaps you’ve already undergone a sleep study and received a diagnosis of sleep apnea, but you’ve never been set up with a CPAP machine....
Did you know that the onset of TMJ pain can occur during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the resulting physical and/or emotional stress? You probably expected pregnancy to be uncomfortable, but jaw pain probably didn’t come to mind. If you’re experiencing headaches, jaw pain, clicking,...
For many, medications are an essential part of daily life. Developing a medication regimen is important to track what you take and when you should take it. A personal medication list can help you monitor prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and supplements. There are many...
Chin straps are trending across social media platforms for their potential to slim the face, treat sleep apnea, and reduce snoring by improving nasal breathing. But the real question is: Are chin straps worth the hype? At TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we know you want...
At TMJ and Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we know there are various reasons why you might not be getting enough sleep. Our specialty is unraveling the mystery (of why you don’t feel well-rested when waking up in the morning) and treating it. In some cases,...
What Is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)? Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a sleep-disordered breathing condition in which the airway narrows during sleep, causing increased resistance to airflow—but not complete blockage. The body must work harder to breathe, triggering frequent sleep disruptions called respiratory effort-related...
Struggling to sleep? You're not alone. Around one in three adults deal with trouble sleeping at some point. Let's fix that—starting now. Keep reading for practical advice from Dr. Hartsfield, our brilliant specialist in Dental Sleep Medicine and Orofacial Pain at TMJ & Sleep Solutions of...
What Is TMJ / TMD? “TMJ” stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. “TMD” refers to temporomandibular disorders, which cause jaw pain, facial tension, and problems with jaw movement. TMJ disorder results from various factors, such as teeth...