Cymy Sue

Hi Starr,
I know that trying to find someone to help is confusing and maddening. As you know, I've been going in circles for years.

Crystal is absolutely right about finding a DDS that is "Truly Educated" in treating TMJ problems. My Dentist is constantly doing research and attending conferences, seminars, and educational programs regarding the latest in TMJD treatment. He says that it appears that TMJ treatment is falling back to the "Dentist" and they have to be educated in every aspect to be able to help and not harm. (This has happened because most surgeons have finally realized that they have more failures than successes. This is my opinion from experience and I also read a quote from an "Oral Surgery Journal" the other day that said " We (surgeons) know less about TMJS today than we did 30 years ago." This statement was made by a well known Oral Surgeon, who now lectures on the mistakes that have been made, and the advantages of conservative treatment.)

They (DDS & DMD) all can call themselves TMJ Specialist, but as you can see from some of the posts, some people have been hurt terribly by those who do not have the training they need.

Niki's advice is also worth trying. I started seeing a Physical Therapist in 1988 (after a surgery), who was using trigger point release. That was almost unheard of at that time. He is "Tops" in his field. I've seen him on & off over the last few years, usually after a surgery. My insurance would only allow a few months with him, so I had to look for someone else who could do the same type of muscle release. I have had really good results from a Theraputic Massage Therapist, who uses the same technique. I found her by looking in the phone book for "Theraputic Massage" and just asking each one I called if they had experience and training with TMJD patients.

Oral Surgeons usually can only help you if you are considering surgery. Maybe some of them are doing more conservative treatments, but I'm not aware of any in my area.

As Crystal said, most Dentists will not prescibe long term medication. They will prescribe anti-inflammatories and sometimes this helps.

There are so many "Pain Clinics" and "Pain Specialists" now, that are educated and licensed to treat chronic pain, most Doctors, Dentist, and others in the Medical Profession are going to tell you that they "will not treat Chronic Pain". I've been told that there are a lot of legalities involved and the "Drug Police" keep a close eye on long-term (precribed) pain medications.

I hope you can find a "TMJD Specialist" soon and if he does not prescribe medication for pain, maybe he can refer you to a "Pain Specialist" for a while, until you start getting some relief from treatment.

My prayers are that you find help soon,
Cymy Sue