title: Myofascial pain associated to trigger points: a literature review. Part 2: differential diagnosis and treatment.
abstract: During the last decades the advance in knowledge of myofascial pain has been constant in the medical and dental community. However, although several aspects have been clarified in relation to its epidemiology, clinical characteristics and etiopathogenesis, many uncertainties remain. Many clinical conditions are included in the differential diagnosis of myofascial pain associated to trigger points. A good anamnesis and clinical exploration is thus required in order to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment. Among the numerous treatments used in application to trigger points, the spray-and-stretch technique and direct injection targeted to such trigger points have been found to be the most effective options. In chronic cases, psychosocial intervention is required, due to the high incidence of mood disorders and/or anxiety observed in these patients, who in turn present a poorer prognosis. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: TMJ Disease and Orofacial Pain Unit of Master of Oral Surgery Degree Program, University of Kentucky Dental School, USA.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vázquez-Delgado
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cascos-Romero
authors.forename: Cosme
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gay-Escoda
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*