The Tmj Book

by Andrew S. Kaplan

Book Overview

Describes the symptoms of TMJ, discusses its proper treatment, and explains when surgery is necessary This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0886873584
• ISBN13: 9780886873585
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Pharos Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

TMJ and Your Sanity

Dr. Andrew S. Kaplan's book is a God sent. It is informative and does not contain the condescending and often cruel and stupid remarks made by other medical doctors who have never suffered from this medical condition. I would consider it the first book you should purchase if you believe you have TMJ. The Summary Self-Help section is outstanding and a must! Over the past 30 years, I have had the honor and at times responsibility to review numerous books for various journals, magazines and societies. As my background is not in medicine, most of my reviews have been in history, psychology and education. During this period, however, I have from one time or another suffered from TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Pain. Sometimes the problem was an offensive click in my jaws or ring in my ears and at other times a severe and limiting condition which causes headaches, neck pain, facial pain, severe toothaches, and the usual dizziness. All TMJ is not alike so please do not compare conditions. YOU know your pain! Also the doctor, unless he has TMJ, does not know or understand the degree of your pain. Pain affects different people, differently. What are some points mentioned in the book and all others? 1. TMJ may be caused by a physical condition (i.e. being hit in the face by a ball, being in a car accident, whiplash or numerous other physical conditions. It can also be caused by stress which is a psychological condition. NO, this condition does not mean you have a mental problem. It only means that if your have difficulty accepting stress you may grit your teeth or clench you teeth tightly. This clenching usually occurs at night. 2. When you hear a clicking in your jaws or a ringing in your ears, you should consider going to a dentist who is either a specialist in TMJ or one that can refer you. A dental or medical center is the best place to start, especially if pain is present. Skip the local dentist as most do not understand or care about TMJ pain. Also most often your medical insurance plan WILL NOT pay for TMJ if you just go to your local dentist. Finally you are wasting beneficial time. 3. Does the pain go away? Some times the pain and clicking does go away. If it does it will probably come back. Especially after you eat the next big steak or hard candy. 4. You must take control and become aware of the various important aspects of the condition. This book is a very good place to start. Beware of any doctor who may on the first visit, say it is merely in your head (psychological) or that you must have surgery, braces or extensive dental work. Always use conservative action when working with TMJ conditions. 5. The first thing to do is immediately stop eating hard foods. Certainly you should stop eating meats (steak and pork), hard candy and junk food which can cause sugar overloads and stress. 6. Do not ever hold a pen or pencil in your mouth or cradle a phone to your jaw. 7. I have discovered from most books on TMJ and personal experience that v