TMJ pain explained: How new research could lead to relief
Facial pain and discomfort related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the second-leading musculoskeletal disorder, after chronic back pain, affecting 8% to 12% of Americans. Current treatments for TMJ disorders are not always sufficient, leading researchers to further explore the vast nerve and vessel network connected to this joint — the second largest in the human body.
In a study published in December 2024 in the journal Pain, a research team led by Yu Shin Kim, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, The University of Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), shines a light on TMJ pain at the nerve level.
This discovery offers critical insights and could lead to more effective treatments for people living with chronic jaw pain.
Read the full article about Kim’s groundbreaking imaging that uncovers pain pathways.
Find a care provider
If you’re experiencing jaw discomfort, facial pain or difficulty chewing, ask your dentist or doctor for a referral to the orofacial pain specialists at UT Dentistry’s Oral Medicine Clinic or call 210-450-3230 for more information. The specialists at UT Dentistry offer expert care and personalized treatment options.
Orofacial Pain Specialist
