MYOFACIAL PAIN DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME
INTRODUCTION
Temperomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome are the most misdiagnosed mistreated maladies
in medicine. It is multifactorial in origin or etiolgy and the important misdiagnosis stems from
the inability to point exact etiology. Epidemological studies has shown that at least 30 % of the
population suffer from this problem and the ratio of females to male is 3: 1 The target group of
therapy appears to be women between the age of 15 – 40 years.
DEFINITION
The Myofacial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS) is a pain disorder, in which unilateral pain
is referred from the trigger points in myofascial structures, to the muscles of the head and neck.
Pain is constant, dull in nature, in contrast to the sudden sharp, shooting, intermittent pain of
neuralgias.
Myofascial pain syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. This
can be caused by repetitive motions used in jobs or hobbies or by stress-related muscle tension.
History of origin of the pain
MPDS is the most common cause of masticatory pain & limited function for which patient’s
seek dental consultation & treatment. The source of the pain & dysfunction is muscular with
masticatory muscle developing tenderness and pain as a result of abnormal muscular function on
hyperactivity. This abnormal muscular function is frequently but not always associated with
daytime clenching on nocturnal bruxism. The cause of MPD is controversial although it is
generally considered to be multifactorial.
Myofascial Trigger Points
A hyper-irritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable
nodule in a taut band
Always tender
, Weakens the muscle
Prevents full lengthening of muscle (Restricts ROM )
Refers specific pattern of pain +/- motor +/- autonomic phenomena when stimulated
Active or Latent and palpation of trigger points always give rise to positive jump sign
Trigger Point Complex
All the above factors leads either towards micro or macro traumatic episodes leading towards
muscle spasm
ETIOLOGY
The MPDS can be visualized as a vicious cycle of several contributing factors such as :-
Muscular hyper function.
Bruxism secondary to stress & anxiety with occlusion.
Internal Joint Problems such as Disk Displacement disorders or Degenerative Joint
Disease(DJD).
Physical disorders.
Injuries to the tissues.
Para functional habits.
INTRODUCTION
Temperomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome are the most misdiagnosed mistreated maladies
in medicine. It is multifactorial in origin or etiolgy and the important misdiagnosis stems from
the inability to point exact etiology. Epidemological studies has shown that at least 30 % of the
population suffer from this problem and the ratio of females to male is 3: 1 The target group of
therapy appears to be women between the age of 15 – 40 years.
DEFINITION
The Myofacial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS) is a pain disorder, in which unilateral pain
is referred from the trigger points in myofascial structures, to the muscles of the head and neck.
Pain is constant, dull in nature, in contrast to the sudden sharp, shooting, intermittent pain of
neuralgias.
Myofascial pain syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. This
can be caused by repetitive motions used in jobs or hobbies or by stress-related muscle tension.
History of origin of the pain
MPDS is the most common cause of masticatory pain & limited function for which patient’s
seek dental consultation & treatment. The source of the pain & dysfunction is muscular with
masticatory muscle developing tenderness and pain as a result of abnormal muscular function on
hyperactivity. This abnormal muscular function is frequently but not always associated with
daytime clenching on nocturnal bruxism. The cause of MPD is controversial although it is
generally considered to be multifactorial.
Myofascial Trigger Points
A hyper-irritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable
nodule in a taut band
Always tender
, Weakens the muscle
Prevents full lengthening of muscle (Restricts ROM )
Refers specific pattern of pain +/- motor +/- autonomic phenomena when stimulated
Active or Latent and palpation of trigger points always give rise to positive jump sign
Trigger Point Complex
All the above factors leads either towards micro or macro traumatic episodes leading towards
muscle spasm
ETIOLOGY
The MPDS can be visualized as a vicious cycle of several contributing factors such as :-
Muscular hyper function.
Bruxism secondary to stress & anxiety with occlusion.
Internal Joint Problems such as Disk Displacement disorders or Degenerative Joint
Disease(DJD).
Physical disorders.
Injuries to the tissues.
Para functional habits.
