Even a brief course of CBT improves TMD treatment outcomes
Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) treated with a brief course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to standard care improves long-term outcomes, according to a new study published in journal Pain. A group of 101 patients who had pain in TMJ for at least 3 months were included in this study. Standard treatment included splinting, soft diet and an anti-inflammatory drug and was given to all patients. Fifty two patients also received six weekly sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Both those who received standard therapy alone and those who also received CBT improved, however addition of CBT provided additional pain relief, particularly in those people who were open to it and prepared to use it.
CBT is a treatment administered by a psychologist and does not require approval by the agencies that approve drugs, but you need to check if it is covered by your health care system. Botox, which we also use for TMD was just approved for chronic migraines in the US and the UK, but not in Canada. Many patients with chronic migraines also have TMD.
This article is exactly what I have been looking for! All of the women in my family suffer from migraines at least 12+ days month. It has been difficult getting info re bottom treAtment in canada – do you know if it is approved in canada?