ABSTRACT
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a prevalent but complex group of conditions that cause orofacial pain. Temporomandibular disorders are recognized as one of the most common chronic pain conditions, alongside back pain and headache disorders. Given the competing theories surrounding what causes TMDs and limited high-equality evidence on optimally treating TMDs, clinicians often encounter challenges in developing an effective management plan for patients. Furthermore, patients will often seek advice from multiple health care providers from varying specialties, seeking curative management, often resulting in inappropriate treatments and no improvement in pain symptoms. Throughout this review, we explore the existing evidence base surrounding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of TMDs. An existing United Kingdom-based multidisciplinary care pathway for the management of TMDs is described herein, highlighting the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care for TMDs.
Subject(s)
Critical Pathways , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders , Humans , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/diagnosis , Facial Pain/diagnosis , Facial Pain/therapy , Facial Pain/etiology , United KingdomABSTRACT
AIMS: To evaluate About Face, a pain management program aimed at increasing quality of life in adults living with persistent facial pain through psychology- and physiotherapy-based skill development. METHODS: A total of 90 patients attended a six-session program with a 1-month follow-up between 2015 and 2019. Patients filled out self-reported outcome measures preprogram, postprogram, and at a 1-month follow-up visit. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in pain catastrophizing and a significant increase in engagement in meaningful activity, as well as a reduction in pain-related interference. CONCLUSION: This evaluation adds to the small amount of existing literature on interventions aimed at increasing quality of life in patients living with persistent facial pain and provides suggestions for future research.
