Ice vs. Heat for Jaw Pain: The Showdown
Heat and cold therapy has been used for decades to treat pain and swelling, and are two of the simplest treatments available. They are considered a generally safe, effective, inexpensive and under utilized tool. Heat and ice have opposite effects when you have pain and inflammation. Heat increases blood circulation and helps to relax tight…
Half Empty or Half Full? Tips on Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Is your glass half empty or half full? How you answered the above question could determine how you view your TMJ disorder. Chronic illness can turn your life into chaos, but a positive attitude can make a huge difference in how you deal with it. Attitude is not just about your outlook on life, it…
Apple Apricot Smoothie
Ingredients 1 Apple, cored and chopped 4 oz Apple Juice 3 Apricots, stoned and quartered 8 oz Yogurt (I prefer Greek Yogurt because it has more protein) 4 Ice Cubes 1 Tbsp. Honey Instructions Place the apple and apple juice in the blender and pulse until finely chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until…
Steamed Spring Vegetables
Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup frozen pearl onions 3 cups fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch coins 1 cup fresh snow peas, stemmed 1 cup frozen artichokes 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup frozen green peas 1/2 cup thinly sliced green scallion tops (snipping with scissors…
Managing the Mess: Cleaning & Chronic Jaw Pain
Erma Bombeck said it best…..”My theory on housework is, if the item doesn’t multiply, smell, catch fire, or block the refrigerator door, let it be.” Here is a list of tips to make housework easier for TMJD patients: Keep cleaning supplies in each of your bathrooms and in the kitchen Cleaning the shower is a…
Alfredo's of Rome Original Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh, very thin fettuccine noodles 6 ounces butter, unsalted 6 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (aged 24 months), grated 1 gallon salted boiling water Directions: Cook the fettuccine noodles in boiling water for three minutes (when using fresh noodles). At the same time, mix the butter at room temperature in a bowl with the…
How to Cope With TMJ Disorder, Depression, & Chronic Pain
In recent years the connection between depression and chronic pain has been studied heavily. Most of us realize that there is a link between the body and mind, and that they are closely tied together with each affecting the other. The National Institute of Health (NIH) defines depression as:[quote style=”boxed”]A serious medical condition that involves…
Does Weather Make Jaw Pain Worse? Poll Results
If you’ve been a part of a pain support group, Facebook page, or have read a blog by a chronic pain patient, you have probably seen comments discussing the weather and pain. Here at TMJ Hope, our Facebook page frequently contains comments from patients who are going through a rough flare-up, and many times they…
Tomato & Pasta Fajoli Soup Recipes
Yesterday, we hit an all time record low here in Georgia. I’m usually not too bothered by the cold here (let’s face it, it doesn’t get that cold down south 😉 ), but the past few days have been brutal! I thought some nice soup recipes could warm us all up. 🙂 Quick and Easy…
TMJ Travel and Holiday Tips
With the holidays right around the corner, it is time to start planning on how to deal with the stress that comes from the whirlwind of activities during the season. Living with chronic pain can be difficult some of the time – but during the holidays it can be especially trying. Here are some tips…
About TMJ Hope
Hi! I'm Stacy, the founder of TMJ Hope.
After being attacked by a dog when I was little, I had 12 jaw surgeries (including bilateral total joint replacements in 2006) to try to improve my jaw function & relieve my pain. The doctors told me I would live the rest of my life in chronic, intractable pain. Fast forward to now, & I'm THRIVING....despite my jaw pain.
If you know deep down that you are not destined for a life of chronic pain, join the TMJ Hope community & I to learn how to stop surviving, and start thriving once and for all.