The clinical management of the FJO/TMD/migraine continuum: an evidence-based construct

This book was written to provide information for the dental/medical provider and the patient or concerned individual looking for answers to the symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorder and its biterelated pathology. This book represents the author’s passion for improving the overall health of an individual through the diagnosis and subsequent treatment with functional jaw orthopedics (FJO). The book is the fourth in a series sharing knowledge that shifts paradigms in the treatment of malocclusion. It is an example of a lifetime of dedicated work gathering information, then applying that knowledge clinically, and subsequently changing the lives of people fortunate to experience this level of dental care. Dr. Spahl has the reader cheering as he presents his critical review of the state of affairs, in which orthodontic treatment options have begrudgingly evolved in recognizing the benefits and treatment options available to people through the use of FJO treatment. The author has focused a portion of this book on the life-altering symptoms related to headaches and migraines associated with malocclusion. Dr. Spahl has, in my opinion, provided the best synopsis of the physiology of headaches and the mechanisms by which they occur that I have seen to date. To have all of this information in one place is unique. As the reader advances through the headache/migraine portion of the book, he/she can find a deeper understanding of the mechanism that contributes to this pain and why FJO treatment is a significant breakthrough for medicine in the treatment of these chronic conditions that lead to so much suffering. Dr. Spahl has presented his life’s work with diligent attention to detail, yet allowing the reader to decipher this knowledge without a PhD in physiology. The text is not overwhelming to the reader but precise in the information provided. The illustrations and photos are exceptional and provide the reader with a deeper understanding of each case history presented. The author uses a teach, show, do methodology throughout this text. He explains the material, then shows the techniques and associated functional appliances, subsequently allowing the clinician to implement the knowledge for patient care. As dentists and medical providers, we observe things each day that change the way we understand and diagnose. We see things differently after reading Dr. Spahl’s book. Teeth are not just for chewing food and looking good. Teeth are part of an intricate support mechanism for the entire body. Developmental pathology, both genetic and environmental, can alter the health of an individual. We must be astute in our observations and be prepared to recommend appropriate options to optimize health. Dr. Spahl has represented his passion for dentistry with grace and excitement. Even though progress may seem slow to evolve in our profession, this book is a great way to jump start any clinician’s desire to improve his/her understanding of jaw orthopedics and the treatment of headaches and the many symptoms associated with TMD. I recommend this book to every dentist, dental student, and healthcare provider. This book should be added to your library of knowledge. A dental career without this information would seem incomplete to me. This book contains “evidence-based” text with hundreds of excellent references.