About this Research Topic
Oro-facial pain (OFP) is a multifaceted and highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Despite advances in Oral and Maxillofacial healthcare, the diverse aetiologies of OFP spanning musculoskeletal, neuropathic and inflammatory origins, continue to pose significant challenges in both diagnosis and the management. Recent discoveries in molecular biology, neurophysiology and pain science have broadened our understanding of OFP, offering novel insights into its underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
This guest edition aims to bridge gaps in knowledge by highlighting cutting-edge research on the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms underlying OFP, while also exploring innovative diagnostic tools and interdisciplinary management strategies.
Submissions are invited under following subheadings;
· Pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms: Focus on recent discoveries in neuroinflammation, central and peripheral sensitization and genetic/epigenetic influences.
· Diagnostic advances: Special attention to the development of diagnostic tools, such as biomarkers and neuroimaging, that enhance the identification and classification of OFP.
· Innovative multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies: Integrating pharmacological, non-pharmacological and interdisciplinary approaches, with a focus on novel therapies derived from the latest research in pain science.
Therefore, this edition will serve as a comprehensive resource for a wide range of professionals, including researchers, clinicians and healthcare providers in pain management, oral medicine, dentistry, neurology and allied health sciences. It will also appeal to professionals from interdisciplinary fields such as pharmacology, physical therapy and psychology, where contributions to innovative OFP management approaches are crucial.
In addition to offering a comprehensive overview of current advancements, this edition will address key knowledge gaps and identify future research directions, ultimately contributing to the development of global guidelines and best practices for the management of OFP.
This guest edition aims to bridge gaps in knowledge by highlighting cutting-edge research on the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms underlying OFP, while also exploring innovative diagnostic tools and interdisciplinary management strategies.
Submissions are invited under following subheadings;
· Pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms: Focus on recent discoveries in neuroinflammation, central and peripheral sensitization and genetic/epigenetic influences.
· Diagnostic advances: Special attention to the development of diagnostic tools, such as biomarkers and neuroimaging, that enhance the identification and classification of OFP.
· Innovative multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies: Integrating pharmacological, non-pharmacological and interdisciplinary approaches, with a focus on novel therapies derived from the latest research in pain science.
Therefore, this edition will serve as a comprehensive resource for a wide range of professionals, including researchers, clinicians and healthcare providers in pain management, oral medicine, dentistry, neurology and allied health sciences. It will also appeal to professionals from interdisciplinary fields such as pharmacology, physical therapy and psychology, where contributions to innovative OFP management approaches are crucial.
In addition to offering a comprehensive overview of current advancements, this edition will address key knowledge gaps and identify future research directions, ultimately contributing to the development of global guidelines and best practices for the management of OFP.
Keywords: Oro-facial pain, Pathophysiology, Molecular mechanisms, Diagnostic innovations, Multidisciplinary management, Quality of life, Oral and Maxillofacial healthcare, Musculoskeletal origins, Neuropathic pain, Inflammatory origins.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
