Myofascial pain syndrome masquerading as temporomandibular joint pain

Myofascial pain syndrome of the TMJ region is not uncommon. It is important to realize that these patients often have a history of TMJ trauma, frequently have positive physical findings of the TMJ, and often have positive roentgenographic findings which continue following successful therapy of myofascial pain syndrome mimicking pain of the TMJ. Because of this, the malady is often diagnosed as TMJ disease, refractory to treatment, rather than correctly as myofascial pain syndrome. Continued investigation of myofascial pain syndrome of the TMJ region is indicated.