Healing From TMJ and Chronic Pain: My Journey as a Myofunctional Therapy Patient

My deep passion for speech language pathology, and specifically Myofunctional Therapy, was born from an undiagnosed orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) that impacted my life for over 20 years. Like some patients with OMD, I suffered from debilitating TMD pain, chronic headaches and upper back and neck pain. The pain was so severe and frequent that it impacted my ability to exercise, socialize and fulfill simple activities of daily living. I saw over 25 specialists in the course of 14 years and while some interventions temporarily alleviated the pain, I never found a solution that significantly remediated the pain long-term.

This is my story of living with chronic pain, becoming a Myofunctional Therapy patient, undergoing treatment, and experiencing an 80% reduction in chronic pain and TMD symptoms. My life's greatest pain became my life's greatest passion and calling. Please don't hesitate to reach out with your questions.

[brianhood]

Thanks for sharing chronic pain wears one out physically & mentally that’s for sure! God Bless you ! Cheers

[MultiNickleback]

Been trying to find relief and any sort of treatment since I was 18 I’ve nearly given up hope I’ve told so many doctors.

[mialedesma]

Wow so inspiring! I struggle with the same pain! I’m starting myofunctional therapy and can’t wait for this journey!

[cerspence]

I think this is why I've had a headache for 8 1/2 years. Will report back after I try this

[cindysantiago]

Hi! where do you get your malocclusion models? I really enjoy your information!! Thank you!

[ayeitsnouraofficial]

hey who was the name and location of the therapist in LA? i have severe TMJ and gone to several doctors, it’s so bad to the point where my neck and migraines are killing my life. Plz lmk!

[PurpleSpiderwebs]

I am based in UK so obviously don't have direct access to your services but like you I have gone from specialist to specialist and done the research to no avail. I am waiting to see a tmj specialist and facio maxillary doctor here and I don't know if you know about the healthcare system here but bc of covid there are massive waiting lists. I was wondering if you had any connections or recommendations for people in the UK? I would greatly appreciate it

[pointuout]

I as well just go to doctor after doctor and hear the same thing.

[isabellewatson]

I’ve been suffering from TMJ for the last year. I got 3 wisdom teeth removed and frenectomy last May and weeks after I noticed extreme pain in my face and body. Constant neck and shoulder pain, facial pain, facial twitching, list goes on. Oral surgeon never mentioned how crucial myofunctional therapy is before a frenectomy…I have been wearing a splint 24/7 since December, see a myofunctional therapist weekly, and just started PT a few weeks ago. How long did it take for all the symptoms to be cured?

[carascottvo]

This is amazing! Can myofunctional therapy work for bruxism-caused TMD? I've had braces twice and still suffer from neck pain, forward head posture and headaches. I'm afraid if I do braces a third time, my teeth will die from the movement trauma!

[NausheenShaikh]

Hey, what did you do? I can't look down or towards my left. I have earache, head ache, shoulder and neck pain. I get vertigo too. Did youfeel this as well?

[grayhalf]

Did your TMD affect your ability to speak without pain? I'm finding I'm avoiding speaking because of the discomfort it gives me ☹️

[findingtifa]

My problem started when I started to lift weights and lots of stress I tried chiropractics and acupuncture but is not healed completely it sucks

[jeffmeisner]

What about collagen or calcium or vitamin D for TMJ- any supplement help?

[Knowhowskanda]

Hi Danielle, have been dealing with a clicking jaw and a bite that is off.can I get any suggestions.thank you.

[fornarisaccountingtaxacade]

Hey Danielle, my son was just diagnosed with tmj after 2 years of nonstop persistent temple headaches and jaw pain, were your headaches mainbly in your temporalis area? we have exhausted ourselves looking for dr's

[ashleysemones]

I suffer ! Suffer from constant pain associated with TMJ!

[alemarizabal]

i am suffering with so much severe pain from TMJ i cant do anything i have so much pain

[mistertrumpet]

Can a maxillary cant, cause by a slightly asymmetric bite, cause TMD?

[shadowman]

I know thats the treatment that works, it is not available where I live and I can't afford it and considering the worst at this point...