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TMJ News Bites
April 2011
Volume 3, Issue 3
Spreading Awareness
The TMJ Association recently cooperated with writer Tammy Holoman, whose article on TMJ was published in the Spring 2011 issue of Pain Pathways, the official magazine of the World Institute of Pain. We were pleased to work with Tammy in bringing greater awareness of TMJ disorders to those in the pain community. The article is available online at: http://painpathways.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vppw11/i1/p1
 
TMJ Implants & FDA's Role
Terrie Cowley, President of The TMJA, attended the April 13, 2011, Senate Congressional Hearing entitled, "A Delicate Balance: The FDA and the Reform of the Medical Device Approval Process."  The TMJA was asked to submit a written statement concerning TMJ implants and the Food and Drug Administration's 510k approval process. This process allowed manufacturers to market new devices without clinical testing for safety and efficacy if they were shown to be "substantially equivalent" to devices marketed before passage of the 1976 Medical Devices Amendment Act. The result was that many TMJ patients had devices implanted that used synthetic materials for example, silicone and Teflon, which broke down and caused serious complications. The written statement and the summary and recommendations included in the Congressional Hearing can be found on our website.
 
Scientists Create Personalized Therapies for Inflammation
This is exciting news as recent genetic studies have pointed to inflammation as a major contributor to TMJ disorders.  This research, conducted by The London School of Medicine and Dentistry and Harvard Medical School, may provide a piece of the puzzle of TMJ disorders and perhaps even lead to more effective treatments in the future. Read more.
 
ALERT — Medications Linked to Birth Defects
Since most TMJ patients are women in their childbearing years, we felt that it was important for you to get this information.
Topomax is a medication recommended to TMJ patients for migraines and other medical conditions. 
Opioid Worksheets Now Available
The American Pain Foundation has created worksheets to help patients taking opioids for pain relief.  These new worksheets, Chronic Opioid Therapy: Preparing for Your Appointments, Opioid Do's and Don'ts to Help Avoid Problems, and Chronic Opioid Therapy Worksheet: A Companion to Chronic Pain  Treatment, provide opioid safety tips and are nice guides to take with you to your doctor appointment.
 
A Guide to Smarter, Safer Antibiotic Use
"Antibiotics are frequently misused—overprescribed, incorrectly taken by patients, and recklessly fed to farm animals.  To counter these problems a Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist has created a 15-part Symposium on Antibiotic Therapy.” (read more)
 
Medicine Expiration Dates Matter
Understanding Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional medical procedure that’s been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. Its proponents say it can do everything from relieving pain to bringing a general sense of wellness. Others attribute the benefits of acupuncture to the placebo effect. Recent studies have found that both viewpoints may have merit. Acupuncture can be effective for certain health problems, such as some types of chronic pain. The National Institutes of Health has compiled interesting and helpful information on the subject.
 
Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Findings
Gastrointestinal problems, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, are among the comorbid conditions associated with TMJ disorders. The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders recently published the research findings presented at the 6th Annual Research Day held in Chapel Hill, NC. We think you'll find this research update informative. Of particular note is narcotic bowel, which results from taking narcotics for pain treatment.
Mark Your Calendar
The TMJ Association's Sixth Scientific Meeting, Comorbid Chronic Pain Conditions - Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatments, will be held June 5-7, 2011, in Bethesda, MD.  Click here to learn more. The TMJA will be hosting a poster session at this event and encourage young investigators to participate.
 
Grant Opportunities
Scientists—Fellowship Opportunity 
The University of Pittsburgh TMJ Laboratory in the Department of Oral Biology, Department of Bioengineering has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. Click here for more details.
13625 Bishop's Dr. | Brookfield, WI 53005 US

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