For individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may be an overlooked but significant contributor to their daily discomfort. TMJ disorders, often linked to jaw pain and inflammation, have now been connected to broader nerve-related issues that can align with MS symptoms. Thanks to groundbreaking research by scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, there’s new hope for understanding and treating TMJ-related pain—particularly for those also managing conditions like MS.
Published in Pain journal, the study, led by Yu Shin Kim, PhD, sheds light on the intricate pain pathways associated with TMJ disorders. Using innovative in vivo imaging, researchers captured the real-time activity of over 3,000 trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. These neurons, located at the base of the brain, transmit sensory information across the face, head, and mouth and are crucial players in conditions such as TMJ disorders and MS.
TMJ, Inflammation, and Nerve Connections to MS
In MS, the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to widespread inflammation and nerve dysfunction. This research highlights how TMJ disorders, often characterized by joint misalignment or injury, can trigger inflammation that spreads through connected nerve networks. Such inflammation can exacerbate nerve-related issues, aligning with the pain and discomfort many MS patients experience.
The study found that TMJ-related inflammation activates over 100 neurons simultaneously, shedding light on the specific neural pathways involved. This is significant because MS-related trigeminal nerve pain—sometimes experienced as facial pain or sensitivity—may overlap with TMJ symptoms, further complicating diagnosis and treatment.
A Step Toward Better Treatments
Kim’s team also explored the potential of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) antagonists, already approved for migraine treatment, as a promising solution for TMJ pain. CGRP, a molecule associated with pain transmission and inflammation, is found in higher levels in TMJ disorders. By reducing CGRP levels in synovial fluid, researchers observed relief from TMJ pain and hypersensitivity in TG neurons.
For MS patients who might experience TMJ pain as part of their broader symptoms, this discovery offers new therapeutic possibilities. While no FDA-approved treatments specifically target TMJ disorders, CGRP antagonists could bridge the gap, providing relief not only for jaw-related pain but also for the overlapping nerve pain linked to MS.
Seeing Pain at Its Source
What makes this research groundbreaking is the in vivo imaging technique that allows scientists to observe neuronal activity in unprecedented detail. This tool provides a real-time view of how pain develops, spreads, and interacts with the nervous system—offering valuable insights for conditions like TMJ disorders, MS, and even migraines.
“This imaging technique and tool allows us to see pain at its source—down to the activity of individual neurons,” said Kim. “Our hope is that this approach will advance treatments for TMJ disorders while also offering new strategies for managing other chronic pain conditions.”
Hope for the Future
TMJ disorders are the second most common musculoskeletal condition in the United States, affecting 8% to 12% of Americans. For those also navigating the complexities of MS, these findings represent a step toward better understanding and more targeted, effective treatments. By unlocking the neural connections between TMJ disorders and systemic conditions like MS, this research paves the way for a future where chronic pain no longer feels insurmountable.
If TMJ pain is impacting you or a loved one with MS, these findings are a reminder that relief may be on the horizon—helping to address not just the pain but its deeper causes.