Studies and Research

Interview with Dr. Truelove – People Who Give Us Hope

November 30, 2010

Out of all the questions & comments we receive here at TMJ Hope, one in particular stands out. Why have hope? What exactly is there to be hopeful for? When you have chronic pain, sometimes it is difficult to think too far in the future.… Read More »Interview with Dr. Truelove – People Who Give Us Hope

TMJ Headache Article Published, Botox Approved for Migraine

October 19, 2010

First, we posted our TMJ headache overview article. It talks about the different types of headaches, and what you should do in general to treat them. Read more about TMJ related headaches… Next on the list, is Botox. Yesterday, the FDA approved Botox for the… Read More »TMJ Headache Article Published, Botox Approved for Migraine

What’s New in TMJ Disorder and Pain Research?

August 31, 2010

Here’s a list of studies and research related to TMJ disorder that has been published since our last update about the OPPERA study.

Orthodontics for treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders – July 2010 – The Cochrane Collaboration – This was a review of the existing studies, trying to establish if braces reduced symptoms in patients with TMJ disorder. In the end, there was not enough data for them to analyze to find answers. Their conclusion: “There is no evidence about the effects of different types of orthodontic braces for problems associated with the joint between the lower jaw and skull.” It also said that there is an “urgent need” for more studies in this area. Link to the Study

Acupuncture for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review – Spring 2010 – Journal of Orofacial Pain – This a study done by Korean researchers, in which nineteen reports were analyzed to see if acupuncture was effective to treat symptoms of TMJ disorder. The scientists found that there was “moderate” evidence that acupuncture was effective in treating TMD symptoms. This is good, and seems to point to acupuncture being an option for treatment of TMJ disorder symptoms! Similar to the above study, more research was recommended, including larger sample sizes and longer term studies. Link to the study.

What's New in TMJ Disorder and Pain Research?

August 31, 2010

Here’s a list of studies and research related to TMJ disorder that has been published since our last update about the OPPERA study.

Orthodontics for treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders – July 2010 – The Cochrane Collaboration – This was a review of the existing studies, trying to establish if braces reduced symptoms in patients with TMJ disorder. In the end, there was not enough data for them to analyze to find answers. Their conclusion: “There is no evidence about the effects of different types of orthodontic braces for problems associated with the joint between the lower jaw and skull.” It also said that there is an “urgent need” for more studies in this area. Link to the Study

Acupuncture for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review – Spring 2010 – Journal of Orofacial Pain – This a study done by Korean researchers, in which nineteen reports were analyzed to see if acupuncture was effective to treat symptoms of TMJ disorder. The scientists found that there was “moderate” evidence that acupuncture was effective in treating TMD symptoms. This is good, and seems to point to acupuncture being an option for treatment of TMJ disorder symptoms! Similar to the above study, more research was recommended, including larger sample sizes and longer term studies. Link to the study.

TMJ Disorder Study Reports First Results!

May 6, 2010

Tomorrow at the American Pain Society annual meeting, scientists from University of Maryland Dental School and three other universities will be reporting on the first results from their OPPERA study. The OPPERA study is the largest study so far about TMJ disorder and jaw pain.… Read More »TMJ Disorder Study Reports First Results!