Disorders We Treat
Treating and Preventing Chronic Pain
Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic and The specialty of Orofacial Pain is concerned with the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of TMJ, headache, and orofacial pain disorders and their related pain and functional interference.
Evaluation and diagnosis of these disorders is a complex process with many possible conditions, such as a TMJ disorder , sinus or ear infections, various types of headaches (example: migraine and tension headaches), and trigeminal neuralgias (nerve-related facial pain). Ruling out these problems first helps in identifying pain disorders. Our pain specialists listen carefully to the patient’s description of symptoms, assess the patient’s detailed medical and dental history, and examine the head, neck, face, and jaw to establish both the diagnosis as well as the causes of the
pain. Imaging studies and risk factor assessments are also recommended to rule out specific medical and dental conditions. Once the diagnoses and underlying causes of the pain condition is determined, a full treatment plan to both treat the condition and reduce the cause to provide longterm relief.
Headaches and Migraine
Headaches and migraines are prevalent head and neck pain condition characterized by varying degrees of pain, commonly producing discomfort in the head, neck, shoulder, and face. Common symptoms of muscular tension type headaches include a dull, persistent ache in the temples, forehead, top or back of the head while migraines are typically associated with more […]
Neck and Shoulder pain
‘Neck and shoulder pain are common conditions that can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, often stemming from various underlying conditions. Symptoms typically include localized pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and sometimes radiating discomfort into the arms or upper back. Common conditions include muscle strain, myofascial pain, cervical spondylosis (age-related wear and […]
Oral and facial pain disorders
Oral and facial pain disorders include a range of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, and face, often presenting with symptoms that include sharp or throbbing pain, aching, swelling, and sensitivity in areas such as the gums, teeth, jaw, or face. Conditions including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, dental problems (such as decay, abscesses and dental ligament […]
Sleep apnea and Snoring
Sleep apnea and snoring are sleep disorders that disrupt normal breathing during sleep, often leading to fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the airway by the tongue and soft palate, causing breathing pauses that may last a few seconds to minutes, often accompanied […]
Temporomandibular Muscle and Joint Disorders
Temporomandibular muscle and joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement, leading to discomfort and impaired function including myofascial pain and muscles spasm of the jaw muscles as well as disk disorders and arthritis of the temporomandibular joint. Common symptoms include jaw pain, muscle and […]
Trigeminal Nerve Pain
Trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathic pain are debilitating neurological condition characterized by severe, episodic facial and dental pain that arises along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, often triggered by mild stimuli such as touch, chewing, or speaking. The pain is typically described as sharp, electric shock-like, and can last from seconds to minutes, making daily […]
