TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION AND MYOFASCIAL PAIN

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) encompasses a range of clinical conditions involving pain and functional limitations of the temporomandibular joint and associated masticatory muscles. TMD can develop due to either articular or muscular causes. Among the various etiological factors, myofascial pain syndrome is a predominant contributor, characterized by the presence of trigger points within skel-etal muscle and fascia. The pathophysiology of myofascial pain in TMD is multifactorial, involving peripheral and central sensitization, neuromuscular alterations, and biochemical imbalances. Patients commonly present with symptoms such as jaw pain, muscle tenderness, limited mandibular motion, joint sounds, and autonomic disturbances, which significantly impact quality of life, including sleep quality. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by standardized tools such as the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), and may be supplemented by imaging modalities includ-ing magnetic resonance imaging, cone beam computed tomography, and ultrasonography for structural evaluation.