Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and related masticatory muscle pain represent the most common chronic orofacial pain condition, and are the main cause of pain of non dental origin in the oro-facial region including head ,neck and face (de Leeuw 2008). The etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is multifactorial. One of historical proposed factors was improper occlusion (Egermark-...

Temporomandibular disorder is a chronic self limiting pain disorder. Over the years several theories have been proposed regarding its etiology. However, none of them could account for all the disorders that have come under the umbrella term temporomandibular disorders. The evolution of the etiological concepts from biomedical to the current biopsychosocial model makes for an interesting read. E...

It is generally believed that the adult temporomandibular joint is incapable of a significant adaptive response to forces produced by functional jaw orthopedics. To evaluate this view, twelve young adult female rhesus monkeys were fitted with functional protrusive appliances for periods ranging from 2 to 24 weeks. Histologic analysis of the temporomandibular joint demonstrated that six of the e...

OBJECTIVE To summarize the data from randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. METHODS Four independent computerized literature searches were performed. Only randomized trials were admitted in which acupuncture was tested vs sham acupuncture, standard therapy, or no treatment at all. Data were extracted in a predefined, standardized fashion. RESULT...

Several conservative treatment approaches to the disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been described in the literature. Nonetheless, in a minority of cases not respondent to reversible conservative therapies a surgical approach to the TMJ is needed. In recent years, a total temporomandibular joint replacement with alloplastic prosthesis have been introduced as a treatment option ...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review discusses the role of musculoskeletal structures of the jaw and neck in perpetuating or triggering primary headache. Because treatments aimed at these structures often reduce headache, a better understanding of their role in headache is needed. RECENT FINDINGS Central sensitization may result in changes in the afferent pathways, making communication from cervical...