Is migraine a complicating factor for evidence-based therapy for masticatory myofascial pain? A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the response to conservative treatment of pain in patients diagnosed with masticatory myofascial pain (MMP) with or without migraine. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 61 patients were evaluated and divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (G1), patients with MMP (n = 34); Group 2 (G2), patients with MMP and migraine (n = 27). Pain was assessed subjectively by visual analog scale (VAS) and objectively through masticatory muscle palpation at baseline and after 3 treatment visits. Treatment included occlusal appliances, medication, and self-care exercises. RESULTS: G2 reported greater discomfort subjectively and objectively at all evaluation visits; however, significant difference between groups was noted objectively only at baseline (P = .0052). Regardless of group, pain levels decreased significantly over time as measured by VAS analyses (G1 P = .0033; G2 P = .0031) and muscle palpation (G1 P < .0001; G2 P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based therapy improved pain scores over time in MMP patients regardless of the presence of migraine.