Oral Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) and Craniomandibular Disorders (CMD)

Craniomandibular disorders (CMD) including oral myofascial pain, are characterized by a combination of symptoms that may include pain, tenderness and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, the mouth and the occlusal contacts, the cervical spine, and the muscles of mastication. Specifically, pain may be associated with local dentoalveolar pain, muscle pain, head, facial and neck pain, sounds during condylar movements, deviations and limitations of mandibular movements, altered occlusal relations, parafunctions and poor oral habits, and functional limitations of mastication. MPS can be described as the sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms caused by myofascial trigger points.

CMD pain conditions, including MPS have a tremendous emotional and psychological impact. The face, the mouth, speech, and other oral functions are central to nearly all human identity and interactions; craniofacial pain conditions interfere with such functions and with the ability to communicate.

It is generally accepted that CMD have a multifactorial etiology. Although many diseases, such as dental disease, infections and tumors, can be associated with pain, most chronic pain problems are thought to be musculoskeletal in nature. 

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can often effectively treat CMD and MPS. However, specific diagnosis helps Doctors to properly tailor treatments. Correcting underlying mechanical issues is paramount. Once mechanical issues, tumour or other disease processes are ruled out, an Acupuncture treatment protocol should be developed and followed.