Muscle-based conditions

Abstract

Among the most common pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are disorders arising from muscular sources. Lacking a single etiology, treatment for TMD and myofascial pain (MP) is directed toward identifying and treating the source of the patient’s pain. Successful management of chronic TMD problems often requires a multidisciplinary approach utilizing a team of professionals working in conjunction with the individual patient. Evidence-based conservative treatment options to reduce the signs and symptoms of TMD, with special attention on MP, will be discussed in this chapter. These include patient education and biobehavioral strategies, therapeutic exercises, manual procedures, trigger point dry needling and therapeutic modalities offered by physical therapists, pharmacotherapy, and evidence-based oral appliances offered by dentists. In addition, the role of occlusion and occlusal oriented treatments will be discussed.