Etiologia da dor miofascial associada ao sistema estomatognático

Abstract

Introduction: Pain is a protective mechanism of the body and occurs when the tissues are being damaged and requires the person to act to remove the painful stimulus. Can be classified into two main types: acute or chronic pain. Myofascial pain has a high prevalence and incidence, however the etiology of this condition is not completely defined. Objective: The objective of this study was to review the literature in order to approach the key etiological characteristics. Methodology: A literature review investigating the etiology of myofascial pain was performed. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO) were consulted in 2006 to 2011. We used the following keywords: myofascial pain, fascial pain, etiology, occlusion. The following articles were selected for this review: randomized, controlled trials and nonrandomized only articles published in English. Results: According to the articles included in this study can be seen that psychological variables (anxiety, stress, depression) and parafunction (bruxism, clenching and bringing objects) each accounted for 40% (4) of the articles included in this review . Problems in dental occlusion were present in two studies (20%), nutritional changes and neural abnormalities represent 10% each. Conclusion: Few studies have been undertaken to determine which are the main etiological factors responsible for the development and maintenance of myofascial pain. Moreover, considering the large number of etiological factors, there was the difficulty in being specific to a single etiology for this condition.