Could a TMJ Support Group Help?

TMJ isn’t just a physical condition that causes issues like headaches or migraines. Like most illnesses, it’s an emotional and psychological one as well. In fact, TMJ sufferers are at a high risk for depression and other mood disorders. We can help you with your physical symptoms, but you might consider joining a TMJ support group for help with the other parts of your TMJ.

Benefits of a Support Group

It’s also good because many of the people in your support group have been grappling with their TMJ for a lot longer than you have. They may have learned some tricks and tips that can help you understand your illness and control your symptoms. For example, they may have identified some triggers of jaw pain or bruxism that you might not have put together yet. They can help you avoid those to reduce your discomfort.

Support groups can also help you understand that the law gives you protections and benefits related to your condition. Someone who has gone through the fight with an employer over the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can give you some good, practical advice. And with Social Security rejecting most applicants the first time, some advice and consolation is definitely appreciated.

Unhealthy Support Groups

But not all support groups are good, and if you’re in a negative support group, it might be a good idea to move on and find a better one.

Sometimes, support groups become almost like a cult around a particular TMJ treatment. They all think and say the same thing either for or against a particular treatment. This isn’t a healthy situation. TMJ is a highly variable condition, and people need to be open to different treatments if everyone is going to find the best one for their TMJ.

Unhealthy support groups may not be supportive at all. Instead, people may end up being very negative about their condition, talking about how bad things are and everyone competing for being the most sick rather than trying to get healthy.

Last of all, sometimes scammers will start to show up to support groups to try to take advantage of people who are suffering. If someone is trying to sell you a miracle cure or any kind of service covertly at your group or after, report it to the group administrator.

Overall, a TMJ support group is a great way to help yourself get the best results from your TMJ treatment. If you’re looking for a Tulsa TMJ dentist to help with your symptoms, please call (918) 528-3330 for an appointment today.