Taking Control of TMJ: Your Total Wellness Program for Recovering from Temporomandibular Joint Pain, Whiplash, Fibromyalgia, and Related Disorders [Paperback]

Robert Uppgaard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

If you are among the 60 million people in the United States affected by TMJ disorder, then you may know what it’s like to have your problem be misdiagnosed or go untreated. Perhaps you’ve undergone unnecessary and costly treatments to no avail. Dr. Uppgaard’s Total Wellness Program will help you understand this painful condition, relieve its symptoms, prevent its recurrence, and avoid unnecessary surgery. This comprehensive guide also explores the connection TMJ disorder has to fibromyalgia and whiplash.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dr. Uppgaard’s years of experience in treating patients with TMJ disorders….has enabled him to write a book of hope for those suffering from these disease entities. His description of simple, conservative, cost-effective approaches to relieving pain, getting well, and staying well are to be admired…This book is a ‘must read.’”
—Harold Gelb, D.M.D., P.C., Diplomat of the American Board of Orofacial Pain

This powerful book is the first of its kind and will unravel the mysteries and answer your questions regarding TMJ disorder. It is a virtual gold min of information about a previously misunderstood problem affecting millions of people.”
—John W. Witzig, D.D.S., President of the TMJ Institute of America

“How blessed we are to have the fruits of Dr. Uppgaard’s forty-plus years of conservative treatment in easy-to-understand form. How special it is that he has written this book for doctor and patient alike.”
—William E. Stein, D.D.S., Feature Editor, Northwest Dentistry Magazine.

About the Author

Dr. Robert O. Uppgaard received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Minnesota. He spent the next six years a s apart-time instructor there and pursued two years of postgraduate study in oral pathology. Following twenty years of general dentistry practice in Minneapolis, he moved to a rural area in northern Minnesota, where h established a family practice with an emphasis on TMJ disorder. For two years he commuted to the University of Minnesota to serve as an assistant professor in a troubleshooting capacity, after which he began his ten-year outcome-based study of TMJ patients. Dr. Uppgaard’s practice has been limited to TMJ disorder since 1990.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572241268
• ISBN-13: 978-1572241268
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,450 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Medical Books > Dentistry > Craniomandibular & Temporomandibular
  • #9 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia
  • #16 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Musculoskeletal Diseases

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

126 of 129 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TMJ and Vision, August 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Taking Control of TMJ: Your Total Wellness Program for Recovering from Temporomandibular Joint Pain, Whiplash, Fibromyalgia, and Related Disorders (Paperback)

I came upon this book in a very roundabout way ---- during the process of improving my vision by natural means of all things. What could eyesight and the TMJ possibly have in common? In my case, a great deal I was to discover. When I first started improving my vision naturally, I thought it was only about the eyes and did not appreciate the whole health aspect. I was in for many surprises and some confusion when I eventually began having referred pain and sensations in areas seemingly unconnected to the eyes. It didn't initially dawn on me that there was any relationship between these symptoms and my improving eyesight. Then I began to wonder, could there be a connection? I studied several books on natural vision improvement (Relearning to See --- RTS for short - and Better Eyesight are highly recommended) which made reference to blurred vision causing tight muscles and problems in many other areas of the body. Muscle groups affected can include such areas as the neck, shoulders, jaw, ears, cheeks and forehead. It soon became abundantly obvious that the symptoms I had been experiencing fit the reversal pattern of holistic healing. Suggestions were made in the RTS book to try some holistic healing treatments in conjunction with relearning the proper vision habits. One of several mentioned was TMJ treatment, yet the term had no significance to me at the time. Because of my neck and shoulder stiffness and pains, I opted for massage therapy sessions and obtained significant tension releases which the therapist also noticed. It turned out that the type of massage was myofascial release. I was intrigued to learn more on the Internet when I got home. The many website results that came up in my search about myofascial release were in relation to TMJ disorders. There was that term again. Bingo! It was like a piece of a puzzle falling into place. I chose to buy Dr. Uppgaard's book to find out more. I was amazed to read so many parallels and similar topics in Dr. Uppgaard's book and the RTS book. Both authors discuss such subjects as the impact of mental stress, neck and shoulder problems, the ears and hearing, dizziness, proper breathing, referred pain, the importance of good posture and the benefits of holistic healing treatments. But what really jumped off the pages in Dr. Uppgaard's book were references to certain neck muscles that, if tense, could cause "visual disturbances and blurring of vision". The RTS book states that "the neck is tight for all people who have blurred vision." The sternocleidomastoid muscle described on page 50 of Dr. Uppgaard's book has had such a strong connection with my improving vision. I've gotten to the stage where I can massage areas in this muscle to release tension (trigger points as discussed in his book) and cause spasm-like sensations in and around my eyes, ears, jaw and cheeks. Looking back many years ago, I believe now that my dentist had at one time suspected a TMJ disorder. I recall him checking the TMJ on both sides and asking some questions. Based on my responses, I guess I didn't fit into the slot of standard symptoms for which he was trained to assess, because nothing further was suggested. Yet when I got Dr. Uppgaard's book, I checked off so many symptoms, presumably lesser known to many and unknown to most. What started as a goal of keener eyesight has ultimately led to improved overall health. I applaud Dr. Uppgaard for going "outside the box" of conventional medical views. His book has been a very educational and helpful resource along my journey of natural vision improvement and total wellness.

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for writing this Book!, March 12, 2001

By 

K. Pemberton "cherith" (Portland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Taking Control of TMJ: Your Total Wellness Program for Recovering from Temporomandibular Joint Pain, Whiplash, Fibromyalgia, and Related Disorders (Paperback)

I was diagnosed with TMJ many years ago. For the past year I have been battling with numb fingers. After many tests, much time, and a lot of money - an accidental visit to my dentist helped to show TMJ was affecting my fingers. I had never heard of that happening. This book not only lists every possible symptom, but exercises that are extremely helpful.

After reading the book for about 15 minutes, I tried the first exercise. My jaw felt immediate relief. I am very grateful for this book. It will certainly help in relieving pain and discomfort.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you have TMJ, you simply must read this book, October 28, 2005

By 

flotsette - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taking Control of TMJ: Your Total Wellness Program for Recovering from Temporomandibular Joint Pain, Whiplash, Fibromyalgia, and Related Disorders (Paperback)

The other reviewers have said it very well. The exercises provided me immediate relief (Search Inside the book for "exercise," and you can do them while you're waiting for shipment!)

I really like the approach he takes - conservative, and taking all causes into consideration (dental, joint, and muscular.) He rightly points out that dentists, surgeons and doctors all tend to see it through their own filter, and he takes a broader view so you can consider them all.

I cannot stress enough though how the elimination of coffee has helped me. This is extremely difficult, and I can't always stay away -- but every time I drink some, I end up with pain and tension.

I also recommend the "Stop TMJ and Teeth Grinding" CD by Scott Sulak. I woke up in significantly less pain after the first use.