| Association Between Rhythmic Masticatory Muscle Activity During Sleep and Masticatory Myofascial Pain: A Polysomnographic Study
Leylha Maria Nunes Rossetti, DDS, MSc, PhD/Carlos Dos Reis Pereira de Araujo, DDS, MSc, PhD/Paulo Henrique Orlato Rossetti, DDS, MSc, PhD/Paulo César Rodrigues Conti, DDS, PhD |
| Aims: To test for an association between rhythmic masticatory muscle activity during sleep, as assessed according to polysomnographic criteria for sleep bruxism (RMMA-SB), and myofascial pain (MFP), as well as the chance of occurrence of MFP in patients with RMMA-SB.
Methods: Thirty MFP patients (diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders) and 30 age- and gender-matched asymptomatic controls underwent a polysomnographic examination. Also, any self-reporting of daytime clenching (DC) was registered in 58 of these subjects. Results: Most MFP patients reported mild or moderate pain (46.67% and 43.33%, respectively), and only 3 (10%) reported severe pain. Pain duration ranged from 2 to 120 months (mean 34.67 ± 36.96 months). Significant associations were observed between RMMA-SB and MFP as well as between DC and MFP. Conclusions: (1) RMMA-SB (Sleep Bruxism) is significantly associated with MFP (Myofacial Pain); (2) although RMMA-SB represents a risk factor for MFP, this risk is low; and (3) DC (Daytime Clenching) probably constitutes a stronger risk factor for MFP than RMMA-SB. J Orofac Pain 2008; 22:190–200 As concluded in this study, night time and daytime clenching/bruxism are significantly associated with Myofacial Pain. Dr. Stan Farrell is Board Certified in Orofacial Pain and focuses his practice, AZ TMJ, on the treatment of all Myofacial Pain disorders including, TMJ, facial pain and migraine headaches. We have numerous successful non-surgical treatment options available. If you’re tired of getting bounced around from various specialists for the treatment of your facial pain, you need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Farrell at 480-945-3629. |
Myofascial pain syndromes, TMJ, TMD, risk, sleep bruxism, clenching
