Chronic myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome with chest pain

Abstract

A patient with a myofascial pain-dysfunction (MPD) syndrome with pain radiating into the chest has been described. A direct relationship between a dental malocclusion and the chest pain was confirmed by tests. The patient was treated for MPD syndrome related to the malocclusion, and the chest pain symptoms were relieved. This report demonstrates the need for the dentist to consider not only the muscles of mastication in the management of problems of the neuromuscular apparatus but also the delicate balance which exists between the masticatory apparatus and the postural muscles of the head and neck.