A recent study has provided deeper insights into the pain mechanisms associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, a common cause of chronic facial pain. By using an advanced in vivo imaging technique in mouse models, researchers have mapped neural activity in unprecedented detail. Their findings, published in Pain in December 2024, may help pave the way for more effective treatments for millions of people affected by TMJ-related pain.
The study, led by Yu Shin Kim, PhD, of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, employed a specialized imaging tool to track the activity of over 3,000 neurons in the trigeminal ganglion (TG), a key structure involved in facial sensation. Researchers identified that more than 100 neurons fired simultaneously in response to TMJ injury and inflammation, highlighting the specific neural circuits involved in TMJ-related pain. Additionally, the study revealed that inflammation in the joint could spread through interconnected nerve networks, potentially linking TMJ disorders to other conditions such as migraines and headaches.
Currently, treatment options for TMJ disorders are limited, and there are no FDA-approved medications specifically targeting TMJ-related pain. However, the study suggests that Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) antagonists—already approved for migraine therapy—may hold promise for TMJ pain relief. The research found that reducing CGRP levels in the synovial fluid helped alleviate both TMJ pain and neuronal hypersensitivity in the TG, indicating a potential therapeutic pathway for future treatment development.
By enhancing the understanding of TMJ pain at the neuronal level, this research provides new hope for more precise and effective treatment strategies. According to Kim, the ability to track pain signals down to individual neurons offers valuable insight into how pain originates and spreads. This approach may not only improve treatments for TMJ disorders but also contribute to broader advancements in managing chronic pain conditions.
Teves, Eileen. 2025. “Innovative in Vivo Imaging Offers New Treatment, Hope for Sufferers of Chronic TMJ-Related Pain - UT Health San Antonio.” UT Health San Antonio. March 13, 2025. https://news.uthscsa.edu/innovative-in-vivo-imaging-offers-new-treatment-hope-for-sufferers-of-chronic-tmj-related-pain/.
Son, Hyeonwi, John Shannonhouse, Yan Zhang, Ruben Gomez, Felix Amarista, Daniel Perez, Edward Ellis, Man-Kyo Chung, and Yu Shin Kim. 2024. “Elucidation of Neuronal Activity in Mouse Models of Temporomandibular Joint Injury and Inflammation by in Vivo GCaMP Ca2+ Imaging of Intact Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons.” Pain, October. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003421.