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Pain in temporomandibular joint dysfunction

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Abstract

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structure alteration may be genetic or acquired. If genetic, the deformity is usually severe and leads to marked functional disorders. In other cases, alterations may be induced by trauma, tumor, infection, or radiation. TMJ morphofunctional alterations may also be caused by occlusal disorders or muscle dysfunction. TMJ lesions induce pain through the auriculo-temporal nerve nociceptors in the joint capsule and retrodiscal attachment. Moreover, TMJ lesions may provoke muscle function alterations with increased contraction of the elevator muscles during opening. This eccentric contraction may induce mechanical damage to the muscle and delayed onset of muscle soreness as a consequence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, Section for Pathophysiology of Headache and Facial Pain, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti, 14 I-10126, Turin, Italy

    Franco Mongini MD

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  1. Franco Mongini MD
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Mongini, F. Pain in temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Current Review of Pain 3, 109–115 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-999-0034-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-999-0034-9

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