title: Temporomandibular pain and dysfunction syndrome. History, physical examination, and treatment.
abstract: A stepwise method for treating TMPDS is presented. Step 1-start patient on a regimen of chloroethane or chlorofluorocarbon spray and exercise. Step 1A--if a clicking joint is the chief complaint, start with click exercise. Step 1B--if restricted mouth opening is the chief complaint, start with range of motion exercise; employ exercises sequentially, not simultaneously. Step 2--if pain is moderate to severe, start with amitriptyline 10 mg at bedtime, increasing the dose in 10-mg increments to 40 mg. Step 3--for nonresponders, add injections of tender points with lidocaine and consider a trial of a different tricyclic. Step 4--for nonresponders, consider a trial of tender point injections combining dexamethasone with local anesthetic. Start by injecting the three most painful tender points with 0.5 mL of a solution of 1 mg of dexamethasone combined with two thirds bupivacaine and one third lidocaine to reach the desired volume. Repeat injections, varying the sites as required. Do this once weekly for 4 to 6 weeks for an adequate trial. This regimen can be continued for an extended period of time with appropriate precautions in place. The value of judgment-free psychosocial support cannot be overemphasized. Patients with TMPDS are faced with long-term problems of pain management. An understanding clinician can provide the sustained support required to prevent the cycle of ever more invasive treatments with their potential for harm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, USA.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Marbach
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008488:Medical Illustration; D010146:Pain; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy