Perspectives on the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors in TMD.

Temporomandibular disorders remain a poorly understood but related collection of clinical syndromes involving pain and function limitations. This article discusses TMD from the perspective of a chronic pain illness, which shares some features found in common chronic pain conditions, such as tension headache and benign back pain. From these perspectives, TMD may be viewed as a self-limiting chronic pain illness not associated with progressive physical deterioration.