[Pain on mandibular movements]

Abstract

Pain or fatigue in the masticatory muscles or pain in the temporomandibular joints are well-known complaints. Diagnosing these complaints, that have a relation with mandibular movements, can be challenging since they can arise from the teeth and surrounding tissues, the temporomandibular joints or other musculoskeletal structures. Also referred pains are a common finding in this area. Pain history and clinical examination are crucial for a comprehensive diagnosis. Besides the disorders underlying the pain (so called axis I), the impact of the pain on the patient's physical and psychosocial functioning can play an important role in the diagnosis (axis II).