andrea@hp-sdd.UUCP (andrea) (01/15/85)
> >I have a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problem that keeps me from opening >my jaw further than an inch or so. > > How about experience with >non-surgical alternatives? (I have a friend whose chiropractor claims to >be quite successful at dealing with this problem. I am skeptical but >would like to avoid surgery.) > My husband had a mild but annoying TMJ, and he had good results with a chiropractor who does cranial adjustments. This is a relatively new field, and very specialized: either the chiropractor does it or not, nobody fakes this one. It required a number of sessions, which were painless, and it definitely cured a large number of headaches as well as the tendency for the jaw to lock and those funny popping noises. The adjustments usually take the cervical vertebrae into account as well. He now has an occasional readjustment, as the body will tend to slip back into misalignment if you have had TMJ for a long time; each readjustment brings instant relief and lasts for several months, depending on things like whether you tend to grind your teeth at night! (bruxism) By all means, you owe it to yourself to try chiropractic before resorting to surgery - it's much easier on your body. Andrea Frankel, Hewlett-Packard (San Diego Division) (619) 487-4100 x4664 net: {allegra|ihnp4|decvax|ucbvax}!hplabs!hp-sdd!andrea ...searchlights casting for faults in the clouds of delusion