Welcome to our latest TMJ research & news round-up, Father’s Day edition!
First up, have you seen our latest posts? Our patient panel reviewed their first products, we had a fantastic guest post about TMJ disorder and clenching & grinding, as well as iPhone and iPad applications to help you manage TMJD/chronic pain.
Here are the latest studies and news:
Evaluation and management of temporomandibular joint dislocation – this review looked at 79 articles discussing TMJ dislocation to see how it was being evaluated and treated. The conclusion was that the more invasive treatments were not necessarily the treatments offering the best outcome. The author recommends exhausting all conservative therapies before moving on to surgical procedures. Source.
Association of TMJ disorders with self-reported musculoskeletal pain – This study investigated whether having TMJ disorder symptoms and pain was assocated with pain in other parts of the body, and if so, were there specific clusters of pain. They found that patients who had pain in their chewing muscles also had pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Patients with pain in their TMJ also had pain in their shoulder, neck, back, and other joints. They also found that 5.8% of the people studied showed a “multiple pain condition” AND TMJ disorder symptoms. The probability of having both TMJD and other pain increased if the patient was female, had poor self-reported health, and other chronic illnesses. Source.
Causes of persistent joint pain after TMJ arthrocentesis -This study wanted to clarify why certain patients still have joint pain after a TMJ arthrocentesis. They studied 36 patients who all had MRI scans to examine the position of their discs, whether they had any bone abnormalities, or fluid build-up in the joint. They each had an arthrocentesis, and the patients were followed for six weeks. After six weeks, each patient was given one of two classifications: improved or poor. They found that joints with minimal or no fluid build up had a good response, but joints that had erosion did not fare well, and the patients still had pain after the procedure. Source.
Scientists discover peptide that short circuits chronic pain – The peptide, CBD3, is unique because it doesn’t produce the same side effects that other pain treatments do (drowsiness, memory loss, depression). – Source
Why the word “drug” promotes a bias in chronic pain treatment – Jack Cain, a Pain Policy Advocate at the Consumer Pain Justice Cooperative, discusses how using the word “drug” (instead of, perhaps, medication) is causing a negative connotation in chronic pain treatment. Source.
Joint replacements riskier at hospitals with less volume – This study discusses a link between a hospital not doing many of these surgeries (hip replacement, hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty), and serious complications. Even though this study is about hip and knee surgery, the concept applies to other surgeries too. If you are considering TMJ surgery, ask your surgeon how many of the procedures he has done. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion, in fact, getting other opinions is encouraged when considering any type of invasive treatment. Source.
What do you have planned for this weekend? And do you have any news to share? Leave a comment below to let us know! 🙂
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e information in these articles is really helpful. I am going to Johns Hopkins To see a specialist and I will have more information to get the most out of my appointment. I’ve had TMJD for over 40 years now. The last Dr I saw told me there was nothing to be done. I took him at his word and haven’t seen a Dr for Tmj in about 25 years. I have gotten to the point that I cannot chew at all and talking is very difficult. I decided to give it one more try. TMJ hope has given me the courage to give it another try. Thanx everybody
@mjwhyte123 I’m so glad you found the article helpful. Please let us know how your appointment goes, okay?
Thank you so much for your kind comment about the courage to give it another try. That’s amazing. I’ve always felt that information and support helps patients become more empowered and more proactive in their healthcare…. you are proving that is right!
Hang in there, we’re here for you! 🙂
Stacy I have a question about the Peptide article………is this a new discovery or is it in clinical trials yet or already on the market? It sounds promising, especially for patients that don’t like or can’t take other types of pain meds.