Posted by Rob Christensen on 11/15/2011 to
Jaw Function, Trismus, and Jaw Therapies
Preliminary Results Released from Seven Year Study on TMJ disorder (TMJD) by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). The study, Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA), collected excellent data on the risks for TMJD.
Prelim results include:
temporomandibular joint
Prelim results include:
- Women's risk for TMJD increased between 18-44 years old. Men did not show an age correlation with risk.
- Socio-economic status is not correlated with chronic TMJD, which is in contrast to correlation with other chronic pain, sciatica, and ulcers.
- Chronic TMJD sufferers are generally more sensitive to pain stimuli, which may be associated with the nervous system.
- Genes known to influence stress response, psychological well-being and inflammation were shown to connect with chronic TMJD.
- Chronic TMJD patients have other chronic pain conditions like lower back pain, headaches and fibromyalgia.
- Grinding and clenching were associated with TMJD, and will be the subject of further study.
temporomandibular joint