Whether you recently started suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or have been crippled by the disease for years, you’ve probably spent time researching or visiting “TMJ specialists.” The reason I place this phrase in quotes is because I firmly believe there is no such thing. Just like the search for Big Foot or Nessie the Loch Ness Monster, finding TMJ specialists is an exercise in futility.
If you’re still thinking about visiting one of these so-called “specialists,” then I want to show you why you’re wasting your time. In addition, I’m going to show you why all-natural home remedies are a better way to cure this painful disorder.
I’m a Specialist … Whatever That Means
A friend of mine is a huge college football fan. One day we were in his truck and I heard some fast talking, loud-mouthed guys yammering on and on about how they were Gambling Specialists. “Just call our 1-800 number now. We will pick every single game correct this weekend. You’ll make more money with us than betting on the stock market.”
So what exactly made these knuckleheads specialists? Quite simply, they called themselves specialists. That’s it. There was no college degree or certificate from Gambling U. It was totally made up. I have had this exact same experience when I visited folks who called themselves TMJ specialists. In reality they were just doctors and dentists. I’m not taking anything away from their ability to fix broken bones or fill cavities, but in no way were they TMJ specialists.
Gee Thanks. That Didn’t Help Me One Single Bit
I want to give you a specific example of what I’m talking about so you don’t have to deal with the frustrations that plagued me for years. Around two years ago, I visited a local dentist claiming to be a TMJ specialist. I was in a lot of pain and really wanted to believe that this person could help me. Sadly, all he did was fit me with a mouthguard and hand me an excruciating bill that was just as painful as my TMJ disorder.
I had already done a ton of research on the disease and knew this to be a pretty ineffective method of treatment. Sure enough, it was. All it did was make me clench down harder during the middle of the night since the mouthguard was such a perfect fit.
I know the dentist was only trying to help, but he did me way more harm than good. In fact, according to TMJ.org:
“Neither the American Dental Association (ADA) nor the American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes the treatment of TMJ Disorders as a specialty.”
Let’s Find Nessie While We’re At It
If you still want to locate people claiming to be TMJ specialists, then I suggest you set aside some time to find Nessie the Loch Ness Monster as well. That’s because I honestly think you’ll have better luck – not to mention all the media attention you’ll get afterward!
The reality is that you don’t need to fall prey to those who claim to be professionals. You can take advantage of numerous safe and simple home remedies – including exercises for your jaw – that are easy to do and most importantly, free! They have worked wonders for me and I know they will for you too.
Do you have any TMJ specialists horror stories of your own? I’d love to hear about them.
Tags: About TMJ, TMJ Myths, tmj specialists
