Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction Syndrome

MPDS is one of the common causes of chronic pain in the orofascial region involving the muscles of mastication. It is a condition characterized by the presence of trigger points or tension knots within the muscle or the fascia that are tender and/or painful causing pain in the localized area as well as the referred pain radiating to the other areas. There are two types of trigger points: active (which cause pain in the muscle all the time) and latent (which cause pain when triggered or pushed on)2.

Common symptoms include but not limited to:

  • Pain – localized and referred

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Muscle spasm

  • Muscle weakness

  • Muscle fatigue

  • Muscle tightness

Common treatment modalities include -

  • Stretching

  • Ice/heat

  • Massages and physical therapy

  • Occlusal appliance such as night guard

  • Pharmacological therapy – pain medication, muscle relaxants

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

  • Trigger point injections – dry needling, using Botox A

  • Photobiostimulation (PBM) therapy

Trigger point and myofascial pain treatment consists of multiple treatments spaced over multiple weeks. For a consultation and to begin treatment for myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome, book an appointment with oral medicine specialist, Dr. Lakshmi Gorgantula, at North Dallas Dental Health today.

1.      Melzack R, Stillwell DM, Fox EJ. Trigger points and acupuncture points for pain: correlations and implications.Pain. 1977;3:3–23

2.      Akamatsu FE, Ayres BR, Saleh SO, et al. Trigger points: anatomical substratum. BioMed Res Int. 2015;2015:623287.doi:10.1155/2015/623287.

3.      Sarah Money Pathophysiology of Trigger Points in Myofascial Pain Syndrome. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2017 Jun;31(2):158-159. doi: 10.1080/15360288.2017.1298688.