A major new investment in chronic pain research is helping advance the understanding of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and other painful conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Back pain remains the most commonly reported chronic pain condition, followed closely by head and face pain associated with TMJ disorders, highlighting the significant impact these conditions have on daily life.
At The University of Texas at San Antonio, researchers led by Armen N. Akopian are continuing work supported by a five-year, $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The project recently passed a key milestone review, allowing the team to move forward with the next phase of research as part of a national consortium studying chronic pain.
This work focuses on understanding how pain begins at the level of sensory neurons, particularly those connected to the face, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joint. By mapping how these nerves function and change over time, researchers hope to better understand why some pain becomes chronic and persistent. The team is also studying how pain signals differ among individuals and how changes in gene expression and cellular behavior may contribute to heightened pain sensitivity.
Importantly, this research aims to identify new, targeted, non-opioid treatments for chronic pain. Current therapies often only mask symptoms and may carry risks, particularly with long-term use. By contrast, this effort seeks to address the underlying biological mechanisms that drive chronic pain, with the goal of preventing it from developing, or even resolving it once established.
For patients living with TMD and other chronic pain conditions, even modest improvements can be meaningful. This research represents an important step toward a future of more effective, personalized, and safer treatment options.