How many times have we heard you say, "If only I had my head in a bandage, scars, something that would let people know that I'm in pain! I look perfectly normal so nobody believes I live every day with this pain."

Well, here are several opportunities to become involved with others with invisible disabilities and express how it feels to be a TMJ patient who looks perfectly normal with all that it encompasses—from your friends not understanding the continuous pain, your physicians not understanding or believing, and even your family members who may think you are simply malingering. I'm sure you have more examples from your life experience. Being involved in these campaigns is not just good for getting things off your chest, but helps  promote awareness about TMJ disorders.

TMJ Education Day is Every Day! 

• Educate your health care providers.  Provide them with a copy of our free TMJ brochure at your next visit and place a post-it-note in the sections of the brochure you want them to read.  Share it with your primary care physician, your dentist, ENT, PT, school nurse, and others.

• Contact your elected officials.  Schedule an appointment to visit your elected officials.  Educate them about TMJ Disorders, the treatments you've undergone, money you've spent on treatments, and your current state of health.  Discuss the need for quality science in this field to help us find the answers we need.  Contact us before your scheduled appointment and we'll be happy to provide you with brochures to leave with your elected officials. The TMJA will also follow-up with your represenative regarding your concerns. And don't forget, send a thank you letter to your elected official after your visit thanking them for their time.

The more we work together to get the word out about TMJ disorders the more people will understand that it’s  not just a matter of a clicking and a popping joint, but much more.  In turn, that will bring pressure for increased research funding, increased education of all health care providers and increased understanding of TMJ by your friends, employers and loved ones. Together we are changing the face of TMJ!