In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Professor Tara Renton, a globally recognized expert in orofacial pain, to explore the nuanced world of facial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and migraine disorders. Together, they unpack why so many patients suffer from persistent facial, jaw, or head pain despite “normal” scans and what magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) can reveal that traditional imaging might miss. They also dig into local anesthetic reactions, the limitations of pain scales, and how to distinguish between healthy vs. unhealthy pain. . Takeaways Professor Renton explains how magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) can detect nerve irritation that typical MRIs may miss, especially in TMJ and facial pain cases. You’ll hear how migraine-related nerve dysfunction can present as jaw pain, facial burning, or unexplained dental sensitivity without classic migraine symptoms. They explore how patients with conditions like mast cell activation may react to preservatives or delivery mechanisms in numbing agents, even if allergy tests are negative. The conversation questions whether traditional 1-to-10 pain rating tools capture the lived experience of chronic nerve or facial pain and what alternatives might help. Dr. Bluestein and Professor Renton discuss how to recognize pain that signals normal healing versus pain that points to long-term nerve dysfunction or central sensitization. Want more Professor Tara Renton Website: Youtube: Linkedin: Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: YouTube: @bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@ ⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dentistry and Trigeminal Nerve 00:37 Welcome to the Bendy Bodies Podcast 00:51 Introducing Professor Tara Renton 01:02 Understanding TMJ and Jaw Pain 01:29 Professor Renton's Background and Achievements 02:48 The Importance of TMD Guidelines 03:49 Challenges in TMD Diagnosis and Treatment 05:17 Holistic Care and Patient-Centered Treatment 08:48 The Complexity of Jaw Joints 18:46 The Role of Connective Tissue Disorders in TMD 25:03 First-Line Treatments for TMD 34:07 The Role of Physiotherapy and Acupuncture 36:49 Exploring Hypnotherapy and Pain Modulation 39:45 Understanding Pain: Helpful vs. Unhealthy 40:34 Challenges with Local Anesthetics in Hypermobile EDS 40:58 Dentistry and Pain Management 49:05 Strategies for Managing Jaw Pain 51:24 The Role of Gut Health in Pain Modulation 52:40 Exploring Botox for TMD 55:36 Holistic Approach to TMD Diagnosis and Treatment 01:02:18 Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Orofacial Pain Conditions 01:07:51 Final Thoughts and Practical Tips