I’m in the process of pulling together my pdf’s and research articles on TMJ in preparation for writing a book on the subject of “curing” TMJ. I put the word cure in quotes as very often TMJ does not seem to be a disease as much as a process. People often have processes of clenching their jaws and overusing their muscles that lead to painful symptoms. When you get rid of those painful habits, very often the pain simply melts away. Is that a cure? Or is it simply using the power of your brain to change your body?
Anyway, according to a survey by Robert B. Goldstein, Ph.D. 87% of TMJ sufferers see a medical doctor for help. However, 67% of people also see a so-called “alternative” practitioner, meaning some people see both a doctor and some type of other practitioner.
What type of alternative practitioners do people see? According to Goldstein, the people in his survey used the following types of practitioner:
Chiropractor
TMJ Dentist
Massage Therapist
Physical or Occupational Therapist
Acupuncturist
Other Alternative Practitioner
Nutritionist
Podiatrist
Spiritual Healer
Naturopath
This makes me wonder. In terms of writing a book to educate people on non-intrusive and effective ways to heal TMJ, where should I focus my effort? Should I write a book for the public and reach out directly to TMJ sufferers? Or should I write a book that reaches directly to the providers of TMJ care? It’s an interesting question as I wonder whether or not surgeons, dentists or doctors would be willing to try a simple and direct approach. Undoubtedly some will. But what about those who would feel threatened by a simple solution? For example, if you livelihood depended on doing expensive TMJ surgeries or selling TMJ devices…would you be open to an approach that did not require those? I’m not accusing doctors or dentists of anything, I am just wondering about basic human psychology. If a simple process, a sensory-motor re-education process like that found in my TMJ series can cure TMJ pain would it actually be adopted by medical professionals?
