You might not know this, but I also live with a temporomandibular joint disorder.
The reason I want you to know this is because back when I was in school for physical therapy, one of my professors told me that people with TMJD are crazy. As a TMJD patient myself, this was mortifying. Hearing this left me wondering if everything I was experiencing with this disorder really was all in my head.
If you live with TMJD, let me say that the pain you experience is very real. This dismissal is part of the unfortunate stigma that has plagued the medical field for decades.
Wanna know a secret? TMJD is more prevalent in women, and for a very long time, it was stereotyped as a mental health issue. And because men were historically favoured in clinical research, there’s insufficient education – and a lot of conflicting information – about this disorder today.
The truth is that your healthcare providers only get about 2-4 hours of training on TMJD. They’re not taught about the root cause of why it happens, so how can you expect them to treat what they barely understand?
It’s clear that we’re suffering from an epidemic. Not the kind that’s airborne, but it harms us all the same. And many practitioners and the medical system as a whole are choosing to ignore it.
The disease? A lack of well-rounded care for TMJD patients. As a PT and myofunctional therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how the current system has failed patients and providers alike. There are so many stories of people who come in, desperate for relief, only to be met with band-aid solutions and dismissive attitudes.
If you have TMJD, you might’ve experienced this yourself. PTs insisting you’ll get better with just neck and postural exercises despite multiple months proving otherwise.
ENTs may tell you that nothing can be done about dizziness or ear problems caused by TMJD, and offer little to no guidance – even when you walk around every day feeling like your head is underwater. Worse, you might be prescribed antibiotics for a non-existent ear infection when it’s actually a TMJD symptom you’re coming in for.
And when it comes to dental care — well, that’s a whole other issue.
With the current state of the medical system, it's easy to feel like just another number in a sea of patients. But you're not alone in this fight. There are millions of people out there who know exactly what you're going through — myself, included.
When it comes to living with TMJD, please know that what you’re experiencing is very real. Your pain is real.
At the end of the day, you know your body best. So don't let anyone tell you that your pain is anything other than a legitimate condition that deserves proper attention.
I am with you. And with us stands a growing community of practitioners pushing for better research, education, and treatment. So keep advocating for yourself and seeking the care you deserve.
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