Chronic discomfort in muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints; also known as fibromyalgia syndrome.
A group of conditions causing pain in or near the joint (called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) that connects the lower jaw to the skull and in the muscles that control chewing. Sometimes called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), myofascial pain disorder typically produces pain in the muscles and joints of the jaw, as well as in the bony region in front of the ear. Movement of the jaw may become partially or completely locked. The pain may become more severe when the jaw moves, and clicking or popping sounds may accompany movement of the jaw. Sometimes these noises occur without pain. The pain in the area of the jaw may spread to the shoulder and neck muscles and, in rare cases, may cause disturbances of vision and balance. Another symptom of the disorder is a sudden, noticeable change in the bite, or fit of the upper and lower teeth.
A chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by the presence of trigger points; decreased range of motion in affected muscle groups; weakness; and, on occasion, local autonomic disturbances such as localized perspiration.