The TMJ Healing Plan
Ten Steps to Relieving Headaches, Neck Pain, and Jaw Disorders
by Cynthia Peterson P.T.
Simple, Powerful Self-Care Practices for your TMJ-Related Problems. It’s not all in your head.
One in 25 of us suffer from symptoms of what is usually called TMJ but can also be termed TMD, TMJD, orofacial or craniofacial pain. These symptoms can include headaches; painful jaw joints; difficulty opening or closing the mouth; clicking or locking jaws; ear pain, stuffiness, or ringing; neck, shoulder, or facial pain; tooth grinding or clenching; and morning jaw aches.
Though these complaints are common, the average sufferer sees numerous doctors and undergoes several treatments often with little relief. While there is no one-size-fits-all remedy, this book offers safe, proven tools you can begin using right away to improve your condition.
Drawing on her many years of practice as a physical therapist, training in head, neck and jaw pain, and work with dental and medical experts, Cynthia Peterson has developed a 10-step process that addresses the root causes and contributing factors of TMJ disorders. Her simple practices and exercises allow you to replace hurtful habits with the healthy ones necessary for long-term relief. You learn to
- Lighten the load on your jaw
- Correct your posture as you stand, sit, and sleep
- Breathe and swallow properly
- Soothe head and neck pain
- Reduce stress and exercise with ease
- Save money by avoiding or reducing costly treatments
Photos and illustrations make instructions easy-to-follow while the true stories of fellow sufferers inspire your healthful changes. Including information on getting medical care and choosing specialists, attention to the needs of children and young adults, and guidelines for preventing recurrences, this comprehensive resource empowers you to begin healing today.
REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw bone (mandible) to the skull; there are TMJs on either side of the head in front of each ear, and these joints—along with their attached and proximal structures (muscles, nerves, connective tissues, and teeth)—are among the most complex joints of the human body because they must work in unison while both rotating and sliding to allow one to talk, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions. Challenging to diagnose and manage, TMJ disorders can be present with very different underlying conditions. Physical therapist Peterson has developed a well-researched, ten-step program aimed at empowering patients with TMJ disorders. Readers get coverage of TMJ anatomy and the wear and tear of its cartilage; nerve and bone components; ending hurtful habits; jaw abuse; the importance of posture and breathing (as well as correct positions for lips, tongue, and teeth); how to choose a TMJ specialist; and an action plan with a checklist for developing healthful TMJ exercises and hygiene. VERDICT This TMJ self-help resource provides options and guidelines to alleviate and treat symptoms related to jaw, head, and neck disorders. A good choice for sufferers. - Library Journal, James Swanton, Harlem Hospital
“This is the most useful book of its kind that has ever been written…patients who use this book to eliminate harmful habits and implement appropriate home care activities, will have the best chance for a speedy and thorough return to normal function.” - Joseph R. Cohen, DDS, President, American Board of Orofacial Pain, Asst. Professor, UCLA Orofacial Pain, TMD & Sleep Apnea Post-Doctoral Program
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
- What is TMJ?
- Who Should Read This Book?
- How Do You Know If You Have a TMJ Disorder?
- How to Use This Book
Replacing Hurtful Habits
Important Anatomy
Step 1: Stop the Overuse and Abuse of Your Jaw
Step 2: The Power of Posture: Learn How to Stand, Sit, and Sleep
Step 3: TLC: Teeth Apart, Lips Together and Calm Your Muscles and Mind
Step 4: Train Your Tongue and Swallow Carefully
Step 5: Breathe Well
Step 6: Care for Your Muscles
Step 7: Care for Your Disks and Ligamentous Structure
Step 8: Halt Head and Neck Pain
Step 9: Reduce Stress and Begin to Exercise
Step 10: Make Your Action Plan
Resources
Notes
References
Index
PUBLICATION DETAILS
PUBLICATION DATE: 2010 March
PAGES: 288
SIZE: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 1/2
ILLUSTRATIONS: 25 B&W photos, 25 B&W illustrations, 15 charts
INDEXED: Yes
BIBLIOGRAPY: No
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cynthia Peterson, PT, is the Educational Director and clinical PT at Canyon Rim Physical Therapy, which specializes in treating head, neck and jaw disorders. She currently lives and practices in Salt Lake City, Utah.
