Published online Mar 12, 2015. doi: 10.5499/wjr.v5.i1.45
Peer-review started: July 3, 2014
First decision: August 30, 2014
Revised: November 13, 2014
Accepted: November 27, 2014
Article in press: November 27, 2014
Published online: March 12, 2015
Processing time: 259 Days and 1.4 Hours
Orofacial pain originating from myofascial pain of temporomandibular disorders is the second most common source of pain, after tooth pain. However, diagnosis of myofascial pain is challenging due to its characteristic referral pattern. Furthermore, pain arising from structures in the orofacial region may be a presentation of fibromyalgia and treatment directed at temporomandibular disorders fails to alleviate the pain. Similarly, patients with fibromyalgia may present with pain in the orofacial region. The physician in this case should be aware of temporomandibular disorders, its characteristic findings and treatment approaches that might be included in the treatment plan.
Core tip: The characteristic presentation of myofascial pain and fibromyalgia pain in the orofacial region and their comorbidity is covered in this review article.