For patients suffering from Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), the road to relief is often long and frustrating. Many patients with severe symptoms find themselves stuck, consulting doctor after doctor, only to be told their condition is untreatable or too complex or even ‘hopeless.’ At Raman Center for TMJ & Sleep, Dr. Prabu Raman takes a different approach. In reconceiving TMJ issues as what he calls Cranio Cervical Mandibular Dysfunction (CCMD), he has helped patients who had lost hope after years of failed treatments. This article will share the inspiring journeys of two such patients, Kevin and Shadiah, who found lasting relief through Dr. Raman’s innovative methods.

What is Cranio Cervical Mandibular Dysfunction (CCMD)?

Dr. Raman’s unique approach to TMD is based on a broader, whole-body understanding of the condition, which he calls Cranio Cervical Mandibular Dysfunction (CCMD). Unlike traditional TMD treatments, which focus solely on the jaw, Dr. Raman sees the dysfunction as affecting the entire head, neck, and body. This holistic view allows him to diagnose and treat symptoms that manifest in areas of the body other than the jaw. This connection is often missed by conventional medical approaches of diagnosis and symptom management.

Central to this approach is his deployment of a protocol of Physiologic Neuromuscular Dental (PNMD) procedures called the Raman CCMD protocol. This protocol involves advanced diagnostics that diagnoses the optimal structural alignment of the jaw and neck. By focusing on the root causes of the dysfunction, Dr. Raman offers solutions beyond temporary relief, providing long-lasting results for patients who had felt that their cases were hopeless.

Kevin’s Journey: From Chronic Headaches to Pain-Free Living

Kevin’s Background

Kevin, a successful business owner from Minnesota, had suffered from debilitating headaches for over five years. His symptoms included intense pain spreading from the back of his head to his forehead, along with fatigue, neck pain, and poor sleep quality. Over the years, he consulted with more than 15 specialists, including those at the famed Mayo Clinic, and tried various treatments such as Botox injections, nerve ablation, and physical therapy. Nothing provided lasting relief.

Dr. Raman’s Diagnostic Approach

Desperate for a solution, Kevin turned to Dr. Raman, who performed a thorough CCMD evaluation. Even though Kevin did not display the typical signs of TMD like jaw pain or clicking, Dr. Raman’s diagnostic tests–including CBCT scans, home sleep tests, K7 jaw computer scans (EMG, jaw tracking), and Ultra Low frequency TENS (ULF-TENS) relaxation of head, neck, and jaw muscles–revealed significant jaw neck misalignment. This misalignment was affecting Kevin’s entire postural chain – from teeth to toes, contributing to his headaches and other symptoms.

Before

After

Treatment and Results

Dr. Raman prescribed a Phase 1 mandibular neuromuscular fixed orthotic to realign Kevin’s jaw and neck. Within just two weeks, Kevin began to feel significant relief. By six weeks, his headaches had nearly disappeared, his sleep had improved, and he felt more energetic throughout the day. Kevin no longer needed excessive amounts of coffee just to get through his day.

For his Phase 2 treatment, Kevin opted for Full Mouth Reconstruction. This option further improved the dental arches, optimizing the alignment of his jaw and neck, and helped maintain his newfound comfort and health long-term. Kevin expressed his amazement at how quickly the treatment transformed his life, stating:

“I never thought in a million years that fixing my jaw would fix my headaches.”

Shadiah’s Recovery: Regaining Mobility After 11 Years of Pain

Shadiah’s Background

Shadiah, a once-active woman in her 30s, faced crippling pain in her knees, neck, and shoulders that limited her ability to stand or walk. This problem began shortly after she had a tooth removed and grew progressively worse, eventually leaving her dependent on others for daily tasks. Over 11 years, she consulted with more than 40 specialists, including neurologists, chiropractors, dentists, and acupuncturists. Unfortunately, none of them could identify the root cause of her pain or improve her condition.

Dr. Raman’s Diagnostic Approach

When Shadiah visited Dr. Raman, she was introduced to the Rmana CCMD diagnostic protocol. The accompanying protocol of advanced scans and tests revealed that her jaw misalignment was contributing to the imbalances in her posture and body mechanics, exacerbating her pain. Dr. Raman’s thorough PMND diagnostic process pinpointed the exact issues, something no other doctor had been able to do.

Before

After

Treatment and Results

Shadiah was fitted with a physiological neuromuscular fixed orthotic. From the moment the orthotic was applied, her pain dramatically decreased, allowing her to stand and walk for the first time in over a decade. Shadiah’s transformation was miraculous, and her quality of life improved almost instantly. She expressed her disbelief and gratitude, saying:

“I’m in complete shock and happiness right now because I have not been able to stand for 11 years, and I’m standing as soon as this fixed orthotic went in.”

Through Dr. Raman’s care, Shadiah regained her mobility, independence, and joy in daily activities—something she had long thought impossible.

The CCMD Protocol: Why It Works for “Hopeless” Cases

Dr. Raman’s CCMD Protocol is highly effective for patients who have exhausted traditional treatment options without success. By considering the full-body effects of jaw misalignment, Dr. Raman addresses the root cause of symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, and even mobility issues.

The PNMD process plays a key role, incorporating cutting-edge diagnostic tools like CBCT scans, Ultra Low frequency TENS (ULF-TENS) relaxation of head, neck, and jaw muscles, and K7 jaw tracking to pinpoint misalignments and tailor treatment for each patient. For those suffering from seemingly unsolvable cases, Dr. Raman’s non-surgical solutions provide real and lasting relief.

Common Early Indicators of TMD

Both Kevin and Shadiah dealt with their debilitating TMJ issues for years before finding an expert and a treatment approach that brought them lasting relief. But while certain symptoms clearly refer to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, many patients with severe TMD experience early warning signs that can be easily missed. These include:

Patients can avoid years of unnecessary suffering by identifying these symptoms early and seeking advanced diagnostic care.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Severe TMD

Dr. Raman is an expert in non-surgical treatments that have proven effective for severe TMD cases. These include:

  • Fixed neuromuscular orthotic, which realigns the jaw and neck to relieve tension of the surrounding muscles by correcting the diagnosed structural discrepancy.
  • Full Mouth Reconstruction, which maintains the optimized jaw-neck alignment for long-term relief and provides cosmetic benefits.
  • Neuromuscular Functional Orthodontics, which moves the natural teeth along with their bone and gum support into the optimized jaw-neck alignment for long-term relief.

These treatments offer a safe and effective alternative to surgery for patients who have previously undergone unsuccessful procedures.

Why Dr. Raman is the Go-To Expert for Severe TMD Cases

Dr. Raman’s extensive experience, innovative techniques, and commitment to his patients make him a leading authority in treating severe TMD cases. His CCMD Protocol has helped countless patients like Kevin and Shadiah who felt their conditions were hopeless. Dr. Raman believes in treating the whole patient, not just the symptoms, ensuring lasting relief and a higher quality of life. As he says:

“We really feel blessed that we can make a positive impact on our patients’ quality of life.”

Start Your Journey to Relief

If you’ve been suffering from TMD, chronic pain, or mobility issues, don’t wait another day. Raman Center for TMJ & Sleep can provide the relief you’ve been searching for. Call us today at (816) 436-4422 to start your journey to TMJ relief.