To further complicate diagnosis, new connections reveal TMD may be related to fibromylagia, a chronic musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder which causes pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, according to a report in a recent 2003 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.
Both TMD and fibromylagia produce similar painful symptoms in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, back, face and head. Dizziness and sleep disturbances can also be a symptom of both conditions.
"We've found many patients suffering with TMD problems also suffer later in life from fibromylagia," says Thomas P. Sollecito, DMD, lead author of the report. "Typically thought of as unrelated, this potential connection should be further explored."
The dentist may often hold the key to recovery for many head pain sufferers, and patients with facial pain should contact their dentist, explains Lois Duerst, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the AGD.
"Dentists are trained to evaluate various types of facial pain, and often can pinpoint the cause of the pain and make treatment recommendations," says Dr. Duerst.
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