Myofascial pain dysfunction


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Myofascial pain dysfunction


Myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) is a syndrome of pain caused by spasm in the muscles. Symptoms of a spasm are aching, burning, or stabbing pain, and they may occur in a different part of the body than where the muscle is in spasm (referred pain).

Grinding or clenching the teeth, often associated with stress and tension, is a common cause of spasms in the jaw area (temporomandibular joint), which can cause a tension headache.

Myofascial pain dysfunction may be treated with massage, physical therapy, and medications.

Credits


Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Updated April 11, 2008

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Last updated: April 11, 2008
Author: Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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