Description
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) myofascial pain and trigger points refer to discomfort or pain in the muscles of the jaw and face, often associated with dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, allowing for actions such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. Myofascial pain syndrome involves the presence of trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscles. These trigger points can be palpable and may cause local and referred pain. In the context of TMJ issues, trigger points often develop in the muscles that control jaw movement, such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles.