Patients experiencing pain in the head and neck area, particularly headaches and jaw pain, often have difficulty finding an informed and experienced health care provider available to treat these types of problems. There are several categories of head and neck pain including neurologic and vascular types of pain. However, by far the most common type of pain in the head and neck region is musculoskeletal pain.

The common term for one of these problems is “TMJ” or Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). Musculoskeletal pain that includes headaches and jaw pain is usually most effectively treated by a dentist. Unfortunately, very few dentists have adequate special training and experience to effectively provide this care.

We suggest that you begin by reading the materials that are provided at Education Materials (menu on the left). This will provide a broad perspective regarding Temporomandibular Disorders and other types of orofacial pain.

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to recommend someone with the necessary skills near where you live. Links are provided (also provided in the menu on left) to resources that should help you find a provider in your area who has the knowledge and experience to help you. We encourage you to explore these links.

We hope that you will find the resources that we have provided helpful. This information is most useful when discussed with a licensed clinician.