ChatGPT fixed a 5-year-old medical issue: LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman shares viral Reddit post that most doctors 'caution against'

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman recently spotlighted a viral Reddit post where a user credited ChatGPT with solving a lingering medical issue in under a minute—after five years of fruitless effort. The Reddit user described a persistent jaw clicking problem, likely stemming from a boxing injury, that went unresolved despite consultations with an ENT specialist, two MRIs, and a referral to a maxillofacial expert. Frustrated and out of options, the user turned to ChatGPT on a whim.

The AI suggested the issue could stem from a slightly displaced but movable jaw disc and recommended a specific mouth-opening technique focused on tongue placement and symmetrical movement.

“I followed the instructions for maybe a minute max and suddenly… no click,” the user wrote. “After five years of just living with it, this AI gave me a fix in a minute. Unreal.”

Hoffman shared the post on X (formerly Twitter), calling attention to AI’s growing potential in personalized healthcare. When another user remarked, “Doctors will hate ChatGPT—it’s 1000% more useful than WebMD,” Hoffman disagreed.

"I'm not sure they'll hate it," he replied. "If implemented correctly, AI could help doctors diagnose patients faster, reduce paperwork, and increase patient capacity."

Although healthcare professionals continue to warn against replacing expert medical advice with AI tools, the Reddit story adds fuel to the ongoing discussion about how AI could complement clinical care and revolutionize everyday health support.