Is Muscle Pain in Temporomandibular Disorder a Hyperactivity Problem? A Clinical, Thermographic, and Electromyographic Analysis

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to report clinical data on muscle pain in temporomandibular disorders using thermography, algometry, and surface electromyography (EMG). This was done to support or rule out the hypothesis that painful muscles are always related to muscular hyperactivity. This cross-sectional, analytical study included 50 participants who underwent clinical examination and evaluation of anterior temporal muscles and bilateral masseters using thermography, algometry, and EMG. The muscles with greater pain symptoms had hyporadiation and a lower temperature compared with both contralateral muscles and muscles in the asymptomatic group. There was no muscle hyperactivity at rest on EMG analysis; however, there was a greater capacity for muscle recruitment of these symptomatic muscles after a joint decompression test with cotton rolls, suggesting hypoactivity of the affected muscles in the symptomatic patient group. Muscle pain may be related to hypoactivity of the musculature when there is neurological inhibition of the recruitment of muscle fibers, and treatment must consider these neurophysiological alterations. Level of Evidence: Level IV.