
Myofascial Pain Treatment:
All you need to know
Myofascial Pain Treatment
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What is myofascial pain?
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Treatment types?
Myofascial pain can occur in patients with a normal temporomandibular joint. It is caused by muscle tension, fatigue, or (rarely) spasm in the masticatory muscles. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in and around the masticatory structures or referred to other locations in the head and neck, and, often, abnormalities of jaw mobility. Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination.
Conservative treatment, including analgesics, muscle relaxation, modification of parafunctional behavior (eg, teeth clenching and grinding), and use of oral appliances usually is proven to be effective.
Mancuso
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Opening Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8am to 5pm
Friday-Sunday: Closed
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890 Saratoga AvenueSan Jose, CA 95129
408-247-9074
What are the different types of treatment for myofascial pain?
Common treatments for myofascial pain include:
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Mild analgesics
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Oral appliances
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An anxiolytic at bedtime can be considered
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Physical therapy modalities considered
An oral appliance from a dentist can keep teeth from contacting each other and thereby reduce the damage caused by bruxism. Over-the-counter heat-moldable (boil and bite) mouth guards are available from many sporting goods stores or drugstores; however, these types of devices should be used briefly and only as short-term diagnostic tools. Because these mouth guards may cause unwanted tooth movement or create a paradoxical increase in muscle activity, oral appliances should ideally be fabricated, fitted, and adjusted by a dentist.
