Craniofacial pain and motor function: Pathogenesis, clinical correlates, and implications

Many structural, behavioral, and pharmacological interventions imply that f avorable treatment effects in musculoskeletal pain states are mediated thro ugh the correction of muscle function. The common theme of these interventi ons is captured in the popular idea that structural or psychological factor s cause muscle hyperactivity, muscle overwork, muscle fatigue, and ultimate ly pain. Although symptoms and signs of motor dysfunction can sometimes be explained by changes in structure, there is strong evidence that they can a lso be caused by pain. This new understanding has resulted in a better appr eciation of the pathogenesis of symptoms and signs of the musculoskeletal p ain conditions, including the sequence of events that leads to the developm ent of motor dysfunction. With the improved understanding of the relationsh ip between pain and motor function, including the inappropriateness of many clinical assumptions, a new literature emerges that opens the door to exci ting therapeutic opportunities. Novel treatments are expected to have a pro found impact on the care of musculoskeletal pain and its effect on motor fu nction in the not-too-distant future.