A Survey of Treatments for Myofascial Pain Dysfunction

Abstract

A survey of all active U.S. members of the American Equilibration Society was undertaken in order to identify the most commonly used treatments for myofascial pain dysfunction. A questionnaire was constructed such that myofascial pain dysfunction was defined, all treatments (including referral) were listed, and a percentage-of-use estimate for each treatment was requested. Results from 302 error-free questionnaires showed that the most common treatments were: interocclusal splints with anterior/canine guidance, occlusal equilibration, flat plane interocclusal splints, diet counseling, anti-inflammatory medication, non-narcotic analgesics, and muscle relaxants. A call is issued for systematic and careful research on the outcomes of these treatments.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ernest G. Glass

Dr. Ernest G. Glass received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Detroit. He received his masters in oral biology from The George Washington University and his masters of science in dentistry from the University of Washington. Seattle. He also holds certificates in comprehensive dentistry from the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, and in Oral Medicine from the University of Washington. Dr. Glass is currently an assistant professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry and is the director of Special Patient Care and the Facial Pain Center at that institution.

F. Dudley McGlynn

Dr. F. Dudley McGlynn received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has taught at Mississippi State University, the University of Florida, and the University of MissouriKansas City. Currently he is professor of Psychology at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. He is also serving on the editorial boards of five national journals, including Cranio: The Journal of Craniomandibular Practice.

Alan G. Glaros

Alan G. Glaros, Ph.D.

Dr. Glaros received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has taught at Wayne State University and the University of Florida. He is presently an associate professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Missouri. Dr. Glaros is the editor of Biofeedback, the News of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.