34 Years with You

The Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic was established in the early 1990s in response to a growing need for specialized care in the management of head and neck pain and as an extension of the University of Minnesota’s TMD and orofacial pain program. Recognizing the complexities of these conditions, a group of forward-thinking healthcare professionals—including physicians, dental specialists, physical therapists, psychologists, and allied health specialists—came together to create a clinic dedicated solely to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of head and neck pain disorders. The clinic’s founders, Dr. James Fricton DDS, MS, Dr. Mary Kwon MD, Alfred Clavel MD, Dr. Dennis Haley DDS, Dr. Eric Schiffman, DDS, Dr. Cory Herman DDS, MS, and Mark Weisberg PhD were committed to providing an interdisciplinary approach, ensuring that patients received comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Throughout the 2000s, the Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic expanded its services to accommodate an increasing patient population by developing new locations in Plymouth, Burnsville and St. Cloud. In addition, the team developed specialized programs targeting various conditions, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, migraines, sleep apnea and snoring, cervicogenic headaches, neck and shoulder pain, oral and facial pain, and other conditions.

The focus on interdisciplinary treatment protocols became a hallmark of the clinic, incorporating input from neurologists, dentists, physical therapists, psychologists, and pain management specialists with innovative therapies such as trigger point injections, botox therapy, biofeedback, health and wellness coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep apnea treatment, manual and exercise therapy techniques and prevention programs to improve longterm patient outcomes and satisfaction. Patient and provide education also became a key component of the clinic’s philosophy as the clinic offered workshops and informational sessions to empower patients and providers with an understanding of pain conditions, treatment options, and self-management strategies. The clinic also developed partnerships with health plans, local hospitals and academic institutions to enhance educational and research opportunities and patient care.

Today the clinic has gained prominence both locally and nationally for its commitment to highquality care and innovative education and research in the field of pain management and has become recognized by various medical organizations and professional associations for its excellence in patient outcomes. Researchers affiliated with the clinic published studies in peerreviewed journals, establishing the clinic as a thought leader in headache, TMJ, and orofacial pain management. The Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic has evolved into a leading institution in its field over the past three decades, committed to excellence in patient care, research, and education. Its history reflects a dedication to innovation, a multidisciplinary approach, and a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding head and neck pain, positioning the clinic as a vital resource for patients seeking relief from these challenging conditions.