The Link Between Emotional and Psychological Distress with Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common soft tissue disorder estimated to affect more than three-fourths of the general American population at least once during their lifetime. In this day of age, depression is remarkably the leading cause of disability affecting the mind and the emotional state of health. Depression is a serious mental state affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. Depression is said to be associated with chronic myofascial pain due to its dual neuronal connection, both believed to have been influenced by serotonin and nor-epinephrine. As a result, treatment goals should not be directed on the emotional symptoms alone but emphasis should be laid on the physical symptoms as well. Primary healthcare providers should emphasize the intensity and extent of physical symptoms associated with soft tissue disorders. A depressive mood disorder is more often than not associated with physical pain, as is the case with a number of patients presenting at primary care. These patients seek treatment for physical symptoms alone, making depression even harder to diagnose. Depressive mood and physical pain are closely interlinked with each other. Medical intervention with antidepressants that act as both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in correcting chemical imbalances are indicated for alleviating physical symptoms in depressed individuals.

Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Syndrome—Aetiology and Biopsychosocial Modulation. A Narrative Review

“…It is worth emphasising that the rationale behind body-mind practice related to the Axis II disorders of DC/TMD is the same neural pathway of the physical aspect of pain and of the emotional aspect of depressive moods [90].…”