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New Delhi: A new health app called JawSpace has been launched as the world’s first digital medical device designed specifically to help people manage jaw pain caused by temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The condition affects around one in 15 people globally and is known to cause symptoms such as jaw clicking, facial pain, headaches, and difficulty opening the mouth. Yet, many patients struggle with unclear guidance and broken care pathways.
JawSpace was developed with the help of professionals at Newcastle University to transform the lifestyle of people with TMD. The application integrates scientific studies with daily self-care applications, enabling users to learn more about their symptoms and be able to deal with them in their homes. Patients can receive structured, evidence-based support in their pocket and not just through clinic visits only.
According to Professor Justin Durham, Professor of Orofacial Pain at Newcastle University and Chief Clinical and Scientific Officer at JawSpace2, self-management is the most important in the treatment of TMD. The results of his studies indicate improved results in terms of quicker and better improvement in patients who are proactive in their disease management.
JawSpace transforms that research into practice. The application takes the user through a symptom check and creates a self-management plan. It aims at making individuals know what is causing their pain and what to do to lessen their pain.
The application will consist of jaw exercises, relaxation, heat and cold, self-massage instructions, and habit monitoring. The users are also able to record symptoms and be reminded to adhere to healthy jaw behaviours.
The progress tracking and check-ins every day assist users in identifying trends in their pain. This eventually enables them to prevent triggers and minor adjustments that guard their jaw.
JawSpace has a home and clinical application. It can be used to complement the treatment plans of doctors and physiotherapists as well as help patients to keep up with their treatment between appointments.
Hugo Dias, a specialist TMD physiotherapist, indicates that the app has now become a normal thing in his practice. He indicates that patients find it convenient to use in addition to assisting them to adhere to the recommendations they are given in the course of consultation.
In comparison to such conditions as arthritis and depression, TMD can limit the quality of life by up to 30 per cent. Nevertheless, research indicates that 75 to 90 per cent of the patient population responds to timely and regular self-management.
JawSpace seeks to bridge the medical consultation and real life. It empowers individuals with the means through which they can control their condition before deterioration.
