TMJ, jaw joint pain relief, headache pain, neck pain, tmj disorder, tmj dysfunction, pain relief, neck and pain relief

Why is finding a doctor who is knowledgeable and skilled in pain management of the TMJ so difficult?

You must find the cause of the pain, the proper diagnosis, and the correct treatment program and not be taking pain relieving drugs that only mask your symptoms and give little or no relief.

What are you supposed to do?

Get a correct diagnosis---what is causing your pain----the muscles, the joint, the nerves, the teeth, or jaw joints?

Be in charge---speak up! Don’t let any doctor tell you “it’s just in your head.”

Realize you are the expert on your pain---not the doctor. If you were not in pain you would not be in their office.

Make a personal commitment to reducing your pain and finding out the cause of your pain.

Do your home work. Learn as much as you can about the anatomy of the TMJ joint and it’s function. Most doctors and dentist do not know how to correct the cause of your pain--- that’s the reason you must be knowledgeable about your condition.

Describe you symptoms in detail, how much its hurts, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, eye pain, and ringing of the ears—--tell all your symptoms.

Ask the health care provider how many TMJ patients they have treated and the results, and make sure your health care provider asks the following questions.

Knows about chronic pain and how to treat it.

Believes your report of pain.

Listens carefully to your concern.

Asks questions and performs diagnostic tests that you believe can identify the problem.

Encourages you to ask questions.

Is comfortable when you disagree.

Does the doctor have models to explain the anatomy of the TMJ to show the muscles, disc, teeth, joint and how they all work together and what could cause your pain? It is very important that the doctor explains in details to you.

Is doctor willing to speak to family members and go over full report with husband/wife or any menbers of your family about your condition and the treatment program?

Works with you to develop the best program to give you relief from pain or a program to correct your condition.

Ask the doctor---“Would you go to yourself or treat your family with this type program if you had all these symptoms?” If the doctor hesitates in his answer, suggest look elsewhere.

What causes TMJD?

For details, see our Common Causes to TMJ page.

How do I know if I have TMJD?

For details, see our TMJ Symptoms page.