Reddit reviews The TMJ Healing Plan: Ten Steps to Relieving Headaches, Neck Pain and Jaw Disorders (Positive Options for Health)
We found 5 Reddit comments about The TMJ Healing Plan: Ten Steps to Relieving Headaches, Neck Pain and Jaw Disorders (Positive Options for Health). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
I've been making lots of small and not-so-small changes that seem to be helping a lot:
Things I'm working on and optimistic about:
It's been a slow process of self care and self advocacy. Luckily things have been getting better steadily. My TMJ was triggered by stressful events about 2 years ago, so a lot of stress management work has helped me. Also, distance from the stressful events.
I am currently reading The TMJ Healing Plan and recommend it highly: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0897935241/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DOERDbEH6YKZC
Good luck out there! I hope some of my own experience can be useful. I'm excited to read what's working for others.
Edit to add: I was working two jobs for several years and this year quit the second one as a way to help simplify my life. While the money was nice, it wasn't worth the overall impacts on my life.
I tried to get an appointment with Henkelmann and there was nothing available for months. Sounds to me like he is headed towards retirement. I was referred to Melissa Antonoplos at CRS Green Tree, who helped me out to some degree.
If OP (or anyone else) is looking for a massage option for TMJ, I've also been pretty happy with Allisa at Mindful Massage and Bodywork.
E: Another recommendation is for those struggling with TMJ to check out this book
Posture and tongue position also play a role in mouth breathing. I'm currently reading https://www.amazon.com/TMJ-Healing-Plan-Relieving-Headaches/dp/0897935241 and learned a lot about good habits.
Forward head posture, side sleeping in fetal position, and not having the tongue on the correct spot can all increase mouth breathing.
Some people think it should be lips together teeth lightly touching.
TMJ healing plan is a good book on the topic.
If you haven't already, please get a hold of this book:
http://www.amazon.com/TMJ-Healing-Plan-Relieving-Headaches/dp/0897935241/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1418354726&sr=8-3&keywords=tmj
I was in a similar situation to you. It really sucks...trust me, I know. The good news, however, is that this book helped teach me invaluable habits that have helped immensely without needing surgery! There's nothing specifically in this book relating to singing, but if you apply the principles throughout your daily life then you will see a difference.
After adjusting my practice regimen and retraining my muscles to sing with less pressure on my jaw, I've found that I can sing better, looser, and with less pain! There will be a period where you'll have to dial back on practice though. Learn to have more effective practices in shorter amounts of time. Give yourself plenty of breaks throughout.
I really hope this information can help you. Good luck!