Identifying the origin of a patient’s chronic orofacial and TMJ pain is what makes my work both challenging and rewarding. Sometimes the answers are readily apparent while at other times uncovering important clues is more difficult. In all cases, there is no substitute for obtaining a careful history as the insights gained often help point to the mechanism of pain that is … [Read more...] about PTSD AND OROFACIAL PAIN – A Case Study
TMD & The Eating Disorder Patient
During the course of the year, I invariably see a number of patients whose level of orofacial pain suffering is extraordinarily high. One such group includes patients who relate a history of an eating disorder, most commonly bulimia nervosa. In these patients, there is often an absence of the typical physical findings found in those suffering from "TMD." But, there are … [Read more...] about TMD & The Eating Disorder Patient
Getting Cozy with Chronic Pain
I recently read an article in the New York Times written by Lena Dunham, the writer, and star of the sitcom, Girls. In the article, entitled, Call Me Cozy, she describes her challenge of living with chronic pain and how, because of it, she takes the cultivation and preservation of comfort very seriously. The article got me to thinking about my patients. As you know, my … [Read more...] about Getting Cozy with Chronic Pain
Two TMD Case Studies – Connective Tissue Disorders
Every year brings with it the acknowledgment that though we have the knowledge and treatment strategies to help many patients who are suffering, we can often fall short of our expectations. Last year I encountered a handful of patients with connective tissue disorders that were responsible for their persistent jaw and orofacial pain complaints. I want to share the case … [Read more...] about Two TMD Case Studies – Connective Tissue Disorders
Caring For The Patient With A Sleep Breathing Disorder
For those of you involved in the treatment of patients with sleep breathing disorders inclusive of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), there has been a great deal of activity on the research front to support our optimism that Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) are truly a viable alternative to PAP (positive airway pressure). To reference some of these studies, a useful read … [Read more...] about Caring For The Patient With A Sleep Breathing Disorder