News - Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Clinic

oral-splint-stabilization-and-repositioning-for-tmd.jpg

Oral splint stabilization and repositioning for jaw pain patients assist with Temporomandibular Disorders. Learn the benefits of using a Stabilization Splints for relief from jaw pain.

Home exercises and jaw self-cares can help ease jaw pain, improve ability to open the jaw and improve daily function. It is part of key practices for effective management of jaw pain and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).

how-orofacial-pain-specialists-diffireentate-jaw-pain.webp

Differentiating Causes of Jaw Pain: Experiencing jaw pain can be confusing and uncomfortable, often leaving you wondering about the underlying cause. Where do you go for help? Since effective treatment hinges on accurately identifying the source, understanding how healthcare professionals differentiate between various potential issues is crucial. This article explores the process of diagnosing jaw pain, outlining the common categories of causes, and explains how specialists, like Orofacial Pain experts, use a method called differential diagnosis to pinpoint the specific reason for your discomfort. This will guide you towards the right treatment path.

jaw-pain-after-dental-visit-demonstrated-by-dr-Nascimento.jpg

Have you ever experienced a nagging ache in your jaw after a trip to the dentist? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience some level of discomfort. Almost half of patients with TMD associated the onset of their symptoms with a specific event, including prolonged oral surgery procedures. Learn why this happens, how long the pain might last, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to seek professional help.

Learn which TMJ treatment options are considered safe, effective and proven. Patient-Centered Care is the heart of Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Clinic temporomandibular joint treatment plans. Conservative and reversible TMJ interventions have a 75% to 90% success rate.

TMJ patients who have a good understanding of their jaw anatomy tend to collaborate more effectively with their healthcare providers.

The Basics of TMD Podcast - Learn from Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Clinic's Guide to Conservatitive Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment. The good news is that most TMD cases respond really well to conservative non-invasive approaches.

transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-for-pain-control.webp

The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS treatment) has been a reliable, non-invasive method for managing both acute and chronic pain. The electrical pulses release endorphins to stop pain signals in the brain.

Arthritis, affects TMJ by causing inflammation of the joints,. It can affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. Arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation of the joints, is often associated with aging. Untreated TMJ disorders, e. g. , jaw locks, and long-term jaw clicking with clenching habits can lead to a person developing arthritis prematurely because clenching or grinding your teeth can cause the TMJ disc to deteriorate over time, causing contact between bones.

dry-needling-trigger-point-injections-and-botox-1200x900.jpg

Dry Needling, Trigger Point Injections and Botox By Preetanjali Thakur, BDS, MS Dry Needling, Trigger Point Injections and Botox: A Helpful Comparison An overview of dry needling, trigger point injections with local anesthetics and botox therapy as treatment choices for myofascial pain, headaches and oromandibular dystonia. Botox is considered the treatment of choice, providing significant relief from involuntary muscle contractions and improving the quality of life for most patients in oromandibular dystonia.

Understanding Facial Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Early and effective treatment of unremitting facial pain can help patients avoid severe and debilitating TMD facial pain. The July 2018 Overview and Statistics on Facial Pain article states, that "TMJDs are the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain), affecting approximately 5 to 12% of the population. "

pain-management-for-central-sensitization-in-temporomandibular-disorders.jpg

Pain Management and Treatment for Central Sensitization in Temporomandibular Disorders Central sensitization (CSS) and referred pain can be characteristics of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which can make diagnosis more challenging. Scientific literature demonstrates that the central sensitization may have a role not only in the pathophysiology of TMD but also in other several chronic pain conditions, including: fibromyalgia, migraine, tension-type headache, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

How to help manage jaw clenching. What is clenched jaw? What is limited jaw opening and abnormal jaw closure? How to stop jaw clenching. How a TMJ-orofacial pain specialist can help reduce jaw clenching symptoms.

Progress in Evidence-Based TMD Treatments: efficient early intervention helps deter TMD's development; and today, new studies support a comprehensive TMD pain management approach involving evidence-based treatment. Eric Schiffman, DDS MS, a Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Provider, was the main author of Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and Research Applications: recommendations of the International RDC/TMD Consortium Network and Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group.

TMJ Neck Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention: Pain and tender points in the neck are common in individuals suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Treatment of jaw, neck, and orofacial pain remains a significant challenge for many healthcare providers. Clinicians must distinguish the type of pain and the probable cause of the pain to offer patients a comprehensive pain treatment plan. This article will look at how TMJ can be associated with neck pain and how to treat it.

The severity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder impacts a patient’s level of pain experience and which TMJ treatment plan is recommended. The pain clinician’s skill lies in identifying the type of jaw dysfunction, probable cause, and the most conservative, effective treatment to reduce pain levels. Often, when a person is diagnosed with TMJ pain, some of the first questions are around how severe the TMJ pain may become, how quickly we can help lower their pain levels, and if this pain can be completely overcome. None of us like feeling “pain,” so we regard these as important questions to answer.

How to treat TMJ-related jaw locking up issues. Jaw locking is a common symptom of a TMJ problem, although a locked jaw sensation does not always accompany TMJ disorders or TMD. As well it can be a symptom of tetanus. This can cause confusion for people suffering from jaw pain. Patients often describe it as feeling like limited or restricted mouth opening, "jaw locking" or "jaw tension."

Non-surgical TMJ Treatments are the New Standard. The first treatment of choice for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems should avoid irreversible surgical treatments. Arthrocentesis occurs in three steps: forcing apart the joint constituents, washing away inflammation and degradable products, and eliminating intra-articular effusion to decrease intra-articular pressure, control pain, and improve function.

What is the Link Between TMJ Pain and Sleep Apnea? TMJ pain that impacts your ability to sleep well may lead to poor sleep quality. So, what exactly is the “link”? How does TMJ affect OSA? Sleep apnea can also lead to poor sleep quality, which can affect TMJ pain and other chronic pain conditions. Your overall health can be impacted by either TMJ or OSA; however, having both can greatly impact your daily lifestyle. Using a combination of treatments, the MN Head & Neck Pain Clinics can align the jaw to clear obstructions and strengthen jaw muscles to boost your long-term comfort.

Do you need Myofascial Release Treatment for TMJ Pain? The myofascial system contains the nervous, vascular tissue, and the lymphatic system, which is why it can influence your level of TMJ pain and overall well-being. This helps explain why myofascial release can be so beneficial.

Trigeminal Neuralgia's Association with TMJ. How is the Trigeminal Nerve Associated with TMJ? TMJ vs. TN: How to Know the Difference?

Sports-related injuries and TMJ Pain. How sports-triggered teeth clenching can lead to jaw pain. Athletes frequently have chronic pain issues. The health risks athletes face when playing contact sports. Learn about the risks of temporomandibular dysfunction among athletes. Sports-triggered teeth clenching and jaw pain

Can bruxism cause headaches and neck pain? Helping your jaw move into its optimal position may alleviate most TMJ headache problems. Correcting your temporomandibular joint and helping your jaw move into its optimal position may alleviate most headache problems related to TMJ, muscle, nerve, and joint disorders.

musculoskeletal-conditions-are-often-myofascial-pain-related.jpg

Musculoskeletal conditions are often myofascial pain related vs non-specific neck pain and can be better diagnosed. Patients with reported neck pain and tenderness upon palpation were found frequently in patients with all COPC musculoskeletal pain. Learn how our clinics can provide you with the best management of musculoskeletal conditions to reduce your neck pain.

How SSRIs can Trigger Teeth Grinding and Bruxism - Research surfaces the surprising link between using antidepressants and teeth grinding. Bruxism is a common jaw movement disorder characterized by repetitive clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth. Sleep bruxism is typically associated with lateral teeth grinding and significant wear on the teeth. Patients often complain of jaw pain, headaches, and tightness of the jaw when awakening, and are unaware that they are grinding and jaw clenching during their sleep. Bruxism can also occur while awake during the day.

Trigger Point Injections effectively treat the common cause of persistent pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder, back, and other areas of the body. A trigger point injection (TPI) is used as effective primary or supplemental therapy aimed at decreasing persistent pain and tightness in the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, they may be used to relieve chronic headaches associated with TMJ, migraine, and other head and neck pain conditions. But what exactly are they, and how do you know if you’d benefit from this treatment? This article will answer your questions.

Patients with Painful TMD often experience a decline in their sleep quality. A sleep evaluation is an important part of comprehensive treatment for TMD. Patients with chronic pain experience poorer sleep than healthy individuals. Sleep latency, sleep efficiency, trouble breathing during sleep, and awakenings after sleep onset can all contribute to worsening pain levels. A sustained lack of quality sleep is known to trigger higher pain levels in TMD patients.

What is a pain health coach? A pain health coach assists in preventive care for pain issues and avoiding possible addiction during pain treatment. They are compassionate and relatable professionally trained individuals in personal wellness coaching. It takes courage and a strategic plan to defeat chronic pain. Our professional staff and healthcare coaches understand the trenches of chronic pain. A pain health coach empathizes with people suffering from pain and is passionate about helping them thrive despite the pain and lessen its impact. We will walk beside you as you discover your own courage and path to recovery.

Neck pain is commonly associated with repetitive strain and head and neck postural impairments. It is one the most frequent type of chronic pain complaints and is a costly public health issue that is a best addressed early in its onset. While multiple factors may trigger this condition, often its cause comes down to forward head poor posture and tensing the neck and shoulders. Let’s answer the question upfront about if poor posture causes neck pain.

What to Do if You Have a Pulled Jaw Muscle? A pulled jaw muscle if often an unexpected occurrence. It can trigger pain on an otherwise normal day. How do Orofacial Pain Specialists Treat Strained Jaw Muscles? When a jaw muscle is pulled or severely strained, an Orofacial Pain Specialist will establish an individualized treatment plan after diagnosing the jaw muscles and fibers in the damaged tissue. In addition to treating the pain, they will also seek to determine what caused the immediate jaw pain, inflammation, and swelling. They will treat pain resulting from trauma to the jaw.

Is Heat or Ice Better for Jaw Pain? Whether heat or cold will help you more may depend on the source of your jaw pain. TMD symptoms can be challenging to manage. If you struggle with finding jaw pain solutions, you should know the risks if left undiagnosed and treated. Many try to manage pain by using a home remedy. This may be a place to start but when more relief is needed in the long run - be quick to seek professional help. People with a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ for short, are all too familiar with jaw pain. If you don't have a diagnosis yet and you’re at home or at work needing your jaw to stop hurting, you may reduce temporary jaw discomfort with the simple home remedy of applying hot or cold compresses. Let’s answer common question about if and how hot and cold packs work to provide relief from jaw pain.

minnesota-chronic-pain-providers-role-is-reducing-opioid-crisis.jpg

Chronic Pain Providers’ Help Curb the Opioid Epidemic During the pandemic, both the number of people experiencing chronic pain and the opioid epidemic have escalated. The guidance reinforces the agency’s commitment to confront opioid misuse, abuse, and addiction by taking steps to help those with acute pain get access to improved non-opioid treatment alternatives.

Trauma-triggered pain management & how to move to full recovery. The best defense from progressive trauma-triggered pain disorders to healing. The practice of integrative pain recovery into the routine care of pain patients. To fully assist a patient’s chronic pain recovery, a multidisciplinary approach established by our medical and dental pain specialists may include physical therapy and behavioral health services. To address the root causes of pain, an integrative treatment is typically best.

Effective Oral Appliances for Treating Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea can be associated with several life-threatening conditions. Given it is prevalent, this medical condition merits an early multi-specialty diagnostic and treatment approach. Ongoing research holds the promise of new and improved treatment and management approaches for this common, persistent health condition.

how-to-avoid-mood-disorder-during-treatment-for-tmj-dysfunction.jpg

How to overcome psychological distress triggered by TMJ Dysfunction. It can be challenging to remain positive during TMJ treatment when suffering from face, head, or neck chronic pain. Steps to overcome TMJ Dysfunction and related psychological distress.

Can TMJ be fixed without surgery? Yes! Non-surgical TMJ Treatment Options A non-surgical TMJ treatment approach is more conservative and is based on the unique needs of each patient.

What is a Pain Disorder? Or What is a Pain Syndrome? This disorder or syndrome is chronic pain experienced by a patient in one or more areas. Risk factors play a significant role in just about all chronic illnesses and particularly chronic pain; so why not train the patient at the same time as you treat the patient. The health professional’s role then becomes one of transformation, one of helping a person really change their entire lives, or whatever factors may be contributing to health and wellness, according to James R. Fricton DDS MS.

What is the relationship between Fibromyalgia and TMD? Fibromyalgia (FM) and Temporomandibular (TMD) are two conditions that have a medical relationship to one another. It is not uncommon for a person who suffers jaw pain and headaches from TMD to also have fibromyalgia.

long-haulers-covid-cases-increased-need-for-pain-management.jpg

Increasing numbers of people with “Long-Hauler” COVID-19 now suffer from chronic pain, fatigue, and functional decline post-COVID treatment. This has increased the need for more pain management help. If you are wondering what ongoing pain conditions COVID-19 patients are facing, read this article.

Stress-induced teeth grinding increases TMJ problems; stress triggers or worsens TMDs and TMJ. COVID-19 is causing increased jaw pain cases. Stress, clenching, bruxism, and TMJ syndrome are nothing new, but they have most certainly been exacerbated by the pandemic. Find out why.

Learn how to shift from anger to forgiveness. Negative emotions of anger and frustration and positive emotions of gratitude and forgiveness are personal expressions of internal feelings that people have. A person’s pain, anger, and frustration can be generated as a form of personal protection. This occurs when an individual senses that they are in a situation that poses a potential threat to their well-being.

isolation-loneliness-and-how-they-impact-chronic-pain.jpg

Request help when social isolation and loneliness become too intense. Answers for people experiencing pain and isolation during COVID-19. Tips on how to improve relationships and social support during isolation. Call (763) 577-2484

Recent Posts

Disorders We Treat

Locations