What is Myofascial Pain?
Most of us have pulled a muscle or been a little stiff and sore for a few days after physical strain or an injury. Myofascial pain is deep, constant muscle pain that does not respond to normal medication or improve on its own.
A characteristic sign of myofascial pain is a highly sensitive knotted area known as a ‘trigger point’ that develops within the layer of connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds the muscle.
When pressure is placed on the trigger point, the patient feels intense pain. Because of the networked nerve supply within the fascia, this can cause pain symptoms in other parts of the body that seem unrelated to the trigger point; known as ‘referred pain’.
Causes of Myofascial Pain
Myofascial pain can be caused by a muscle injury or overuse and strain of a muscle or muscle group, including repetitive use injuries.
Myofascial Pain and TMJ Disorders
TMJ or Temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) disorders are often associated with myofascial pain. When the muscles that support the TMJ become inflamed or strained due to misalignment, disease, injury or teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching, pain trigger points can develop in facial and jaw muscles.
TMJ Disorders or TMJ Dysfunction (TMD) and Trigger Points
Pain trigger points related to TMD can cause a number of referred pain symptoms in the face, neck and shoulders. TMD headaches and migraines are often the result of myofascial pain.
Treatment for myofascial pain can include pain medication, heat, ultrasound, physical or massage therapy, or trigger point injections.
Sleep medicine dentist Dr. Phillip Durden provides facial muscle trigger point injections for severe facial pain related to TMJ disorders. Local anesthetic is injected directly into the trigger point to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. Trigger point injections can also be made with a ‘dry needle› (no medication) in or around the trigger point to help the muscle relax.
Physicians may use trigger point injections, physical therapy and other types of medications for treatment of myofascial pain syndrome. Widespread pain accompanied by extreme fatigue may be a sign of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, a systemic illness that requires multi-faceted medical treatment. Dr. Durden may refer patients that are experiencing chronic muscle pain to their primary care doctor or medical specialist to rule out fibromyalgia or other health concerns.
Dental Sleep Medicine of Athens
Dr. Durden and the Dental Sleep Medicine of Athens team are dedicated to helping their patients avoid TMD pain and headaches.
If you have jaw pain symptoms, or if you are grinding and clenching your teeth, please Contact Dental Sleep Medicine of Athens to schedule a TMJ evaluation with Dr. Durden.