Expert: Coninyah B. Dew - 4/13/2009

Question
I have had pain in my right temple for months. After Catscan, MRI, and blood tests, my prosthodontist says the muscle in my temple is spasming due to bite inclusion. I am wearing a spacer to keep my back teeth from touching 24/7 which he swears will make the muscle stop spasming.  It has helped but not alleviated the pain.  Once the pain has stopped he will straighten out my bite.  Can acupuncture make the muscle relax?  I took muscle relaxer pills for awhile and they helped.

Answer
Hello Cheryl,

Thank you for your question. To answer your question, yes acupuncture can work to relax your muscle. Acupuncture can be used twofold: 1) to relax the muscle through a process of muscle fatiguing and 2) pain relief. Given that I am uncertain of the length of time you have been experiencing your symptoms, I am uncertain as to the number of treatments you would need for stabilization of pain relief. I am certain however that acupuncture will be of benefit. I would encourage to you to visit a board certified acupuncturist at your earliest opportunity. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you and I do wish you the best. Be well.

Regards,
Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M.
Acupuncture Stress and Pain Management Practices