Information & Testing Services For TMJ & Chronic Pain

It is always wise for the healthcare provider to maintain a broad view of the patient when trying to evaluate and understand their problem(s).  Clinicians in all specialties must avoid ‘tunnel vision’ during the evaluation process.  Collecting a careful history of symptoms is always important and can, at times, be critical as shown in this example where the essential information needed was obtained by using a screening and assessment tool, the TMJ Scale, as part of a thorough evaluation process.

A women with a history of ovarian cancer had pain in her ears and soreness in her face and TM joint, mainly on the left side.  The pain was not helped by Tylenol or Ibuprofen.  She thought she might have an ear infection but neither her family doctor nor an ENT referral found any problem.  She was then referred for suspected “TMJ” to a dental  specialist in that field.

The dentist’s clinical exam only revealed a minor TMJ problem.  To be thorough, the dentist asked the patient to take the TMJ Scale test, in part to conduct a thorough evaluation of TMJ symptoms and also to make sure nothing else was being missed.  The test results did confirm only a “borderline” TMJ problem.  However, the part of the test that screens for Non-TMJ problems was also somewhat elevated.  Again, to be thorough, this finding led to ordering an MRI.  The MRI revealed a brain tumor called a meningioma on the left side.  Treatment for the minor TMJ problem was put off while the patient was referred to a neurologist for further evaluation. 

This is an example of how using a screening tool like the TMJ Scale to collect and thoroughly evaluate a patient’s symptoms can help lead to an accurate diagnosis. (Published in the Journal of Craniomandibular Practice, 1991)

The Chronic Pain Battery™

What is it? A computer scored, paper and pencil, multi-dimensional assessment and management tool for use by clinicians who evaluate and treat patients with chronic or recurrent non-malignant pain.

Who uses it? The CPB was developed for physicians, dentists, psychologists, and specialists in chronic pain evaluation and treatment. Since 1984 it has been employed in university and private pain centers and clinics, hospitals, schools of medicine and dentistry, mental health and rehabilitation centers, industry and private practices. Clinicians frequently use it for consultative, worker’s compensation and disability evaluations.

What does it do? The CPB takes a comprehensive pain history and performs a medical, psychological, behavioral and social assessment, including a psychological screening. It examines the many subtle issues necessary for successful treatment and management. It saves valuable clinical time by collecting, analyzing and integrating the vast amount of relevant information necessary for a thorough evaluation of the chronic pain patient.

Date Collection Methods. Highly diverse data collection and measurement techniques are combined with a logic system built into the scoring program that mimics how a highly trained pain specialist would behave in a similar situation. The information collected, the manner in which it is analyzed, integrated and used, and the diagnostic impressions, formulations and recommendations to act are all designed to exemplify the actions of a well trained clinician. Data collection methods and analysis are designed to detect and minimize inaccuracies through frequent cross-checking for internal consistency, random, confused or non-responding.

When to use it? For evaluation of outpatients and inpatients having chronic or recurrent non-malignant pain problems including headache syndromes, facial and TMJ disorder pain, back or extremity pain whether or not a physical cause has been identified. Often used as part of the initial evaluation of a patient with chronic pain. Useful when a comprehensive assessment is needed and when a guide to evaluation and management is desirable, especially in complex cases. Ideal for disability, worker’s compensation and consultative evaluations involving chronic pain.

Testimonial: “I began using the Chronic Pain Battery over 20 years ago. This instrument is an invaluable tool for both diagnostic impressions and treatment plan development. My clients are looking for ways to assist in their recovery and the CPB gives them concrete steps in the recommendation section.” –Dr. S.A. Edwards Recovery Counselling, Inc Fort Mojave, AZ

Special Features:
An extremely comprehensive, multi-dimensional, bio-psycho-social-behavioral assessment and analysis of the chronic pain patient

Provides both an overview of a patient’s clinical status in all relevant areas in addition to a highly detailed analysis of their symptoms and level of function

Produces key recommendations for further assessment and management

Helps the clinician collect and organize the extensive amount of information necessary to properly evaluate complex pain problems and facilitates treatment and management decisions with specific recommendations.

Combines extensive patient history, relevant immediate information about perception, belief and function with psychological screening data to produce a clear, well rounded and clinically meaningful analysis.

Produces a fully interpreted and clearly written narrative report ready to read and apply.

Clinicians can obtain more information and evaluate the CPB by going to Chronic Pain Battery