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Myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome: A psychobiological perspective

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Abstract

Myofascial pain-dysfunction (MPD) syndrome is a muscle-contraction headache-like pain of the face. In the past this has also been called temporomandibular joint syndrome. This syndrome is thought to be, in part, a stress-related pain. This paper discusses and evaluates the following topics: (1) patient characteristics, (2) etiological hypotheses, (3) experimental models of the syndrome, (4) psychological characteristics of the patients, (5) psychophysiological characteristics of the patients, and (6) relaxation therapies. Future research is also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Psychology, Miami Valley Hospital, 45409, Dayton, Ohio

    Donald S. Scott

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  1. Donald S. Scott
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Portions of this research were funded at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by National Institute of Dental Research Grant DE 07018.

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Scott, D.S. Myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome: A psychobiological perspective. J Behav Med 4, 451–465 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00846153

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