Efficacy of group cognitive behavior therapy for the treatment of masticatory myofascial pain

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the reduction in perceived pain in patients with myofascial pain (MFP) using a group cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) course. Twenty-six participants diagnosed as having MFP were enrolled. Each CBT session had a small-group format, where participants received instruction in habit reversal, stress management, and progressive relaxation. Participants served as their own control subjects and were surveyed for pain intensity, duration, and frequency at study enrollment, before attending the CBT course, and 2 to 3 weeks after course completion. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed that changes in intensity, frequency, and duration were significant (p < 0.001 to p < 0.045). Thirty-three percent of the participants showed improvement with home care instructions before CBT course start, whereas 65% of the participants showed improvement after the CBT course. Participants attending CBT group training exhibited significant improvements in MFP intensity, frequency, and duration, compared with levels reported at the initial evaluation.