Effects Of Jaw Muscle Pain On Jaw Muscle Activity And Jaw Movement In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,770.00
Summary
Chronic facial muscle pain is a significant community health problem that is poorly understood. Current treatments are based on the idea that structural or stress-related factors result in increased jaw muscle activity which then generates pain that in turn leads to more muscle activity - the so-called Vicious Cycle Theory. Treatments therefore aim to break the cycle by focussing on reducing muscle activity and thereby alleviate the pain. There is currently, however, little scientific evidence f ....Chronic facial muscle pain is a significant community health problem that is poorly understood. Current treatments are based on the idea that structural or stress-related factors result in increased jaw muscle activity which then generates pain that in turn leads to more muscle activity - the so-called Vicious Cycle Theory. Treatments therefore aim to break the cycle by focussing on reducing muscle activity and thereby alleviate the pain. There is currently, however, little scientific evidence for this Theory. Another theory has been recently proposed in the Pain Adaptation Model. This model says that changes in muscle activity and movement are protective against further pain rather than the cause of the pain. The evidence, however, for this model is limited and conflicting. The current lack of understanding of facial muscle pain limits advancement in its management. Our long-term goal is to improve the management of patients with facial pain. The present application aims to determine whether muscle pain alters jaw muscle activity and jaw movement. Our preliminary clinical data provide compelling evidence for the Pain Adaptation Model. We are confident of a better understanding of what goes wrong in the jaw muscles in chronic facial pain and this will have implications for muscle pains elsewhere in the body. The outcome may help to refute the Vicious Cycle Theory, and help shift the focus away from signs and symptoms associated with the jaw muscles, and re-direct the focus to the alleviation of pain as the primary management goal. The information obtained should also provide a solid basis on which treatments can be tested for optimal resolution of symptoms, and an evidence-based approach in the management of facial pain.Read moreRead less
The Development Of Chronicity Following Whiplash Injury: The Fear-avoidance Model Versus A Neurobiological Stress Model.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,476.00
Summary
Whiplash injuries following car accidents are responsible for a considerable burden on individuals and the community. This study is designed to develop our understanding as to why some people recover quickly and others have ongoing problems months after the accident. By collecting physical and psychological data shortly after their accident and 3, 6 and 12 months later, we will be able to describe the differences between people who do well and those that develop chronic symptoms.
Targeting GDNF Family Ligand (GFL) Signalling To Treat Inflammatory Bone Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,285.00
Summary
Pain associated with bone marrow oedema syndromes, osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis, fractures and bone cancer causes a major burden on individuals and health care systems in Australia and worldwide. In this application, we will explore specific signalling pathways that we have identified in nerves that code bone pain. This will provide an opportunity for the rational design of highly specific drugs capable of interacting exclusively with molecules that drive pain in these conditions.
The Role Of Expectation On Outcome In Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$388,334.00
Summary
What a patient expects from their health condition has an important influence on how well they do. These expectations are also thought to underpin placebo effects and several studies show that clinicians often make use of this in their daily practice. This research aims to explain how peoples' expectations influence the way they respond to different treatments. This information will help health professionals improve the the way they treat people with a range of different health problems.
Improving Outcomes In Low Back Pain: Targeting Specific Therapies To Patient Subgroups
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,061.00
Summary
Low back pain is a major health problem worldwide. There is a lack of effective treatments and a “one size fits all” approach to treatment is being used. This innovative research program aims to change the way back pain is treated, by identifying specific types of back pain, determining the effectiveness of treatments for these types of back pain, and translating a targeted approach to management into clinical practice to improve the health of individuals with back pain.
Whiplash Injury: Classification, Prediction And Directives For Improved Management Strategies.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,674.00
Summary
Whiplash is a costly condition with many people developing chronic symptoms. This research aims to improve the diagnosis and classification of the condition from the time of injury until either recovery or the development of persistent pain. This will facilitate the early identification of those at risk of poor recovery and will lay the foundations for the development of improved early management, particularly in primary care.
Why Do People Develop Chronic Low Back Pain? An Investigation Of Brain Function As A Predictor Of Chronic Low Back Pain.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,631.00
Summary
Chronic low back pain is the most disabling condition worldwide. Two objective measures of brain function, electrical signals of brain activity (electroencephalography), and attentional bias observed with eye tracking technology will be measured in a group of participants with acute back pain. These measurements will provide objective markers of brain function that may be predictive of the transition from acute to chronic low back pain, providing new opportunities for treatment.
An Exploration Of The Mechanisms Underlying A Novel Pain Biology Education Intervention (Explain Pain) In Reducing The Development Of Chronic Low Back Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$106,057.00
Summary
Chronic low back pain is a massive health problem in Australia. This research will investigate the underlying mechanisms of modulating one’s thoughts and beliefs about their pain via a psychoeducative intervention after an acute episode of low back pain. Exploring the mechanisms of this intervention is a crucial step towards understanding how explaining pain could reduce the development of chronic low back pain from an acute episode of low back pain.
Understanding Persistent Low Back Pain Where It Resides, In The Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$848,972.00
Summary
Low back pain is a leading cause of disability amongst Australians. A critical question is why some people get better after hurting their back while others do not. This project examines whether changes in the brain predict low back pain outcome. This information will rapidly advance our understanding of low back pain and has the potential to facilitate the development of novel therapies.
Unravelling The Effects Of Physical Activity For Back Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
Physical activity is recommended internationally for the treatment of low back pain, but can prove beneficial or harmful. Ensuring it is prescribed safely and effectively is therefore of paramount importance. This research will advance the field by elucidating the relationship between back pain and physical activity. In collaboration with Medibank Private I will design and test e-health physical activity programs to reduce the burden of back pain for urban and rural communities.