Keywords:  Temporomandibular disorders, TMD, headache, migraine, muscle soreness, joint soreness, back pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, menstrual pain, chronic migraine, episodic migraine, and severe migraine.

A 2010 study completed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC aimed to explore the difference of bodily pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) than by patients who do not develop TMD. Over a 3-year period, 266 females between the ages of 18 to 34, initially free of TMD pain, completed a symptom report questionnaire (SRQ). Over the 3-year period, 16 patients developed TMD along with reporting more headaches, muscle soreness, joint soreness, back pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, and menstrual pain than patients who did not develop TMD. Dr. Stan Farrell, whose office is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a Diplomate with the American Board of Orofacial Pain, making him one of the best choices for treating your temporomandibular pain. He uses the most effective methods of treatment and works diligently to erase the pain caused by TMD in the lives of his patients. If you are experiencing head pain or jaw pain, schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Farrell at 480-945-3629. www.headpaininstitute.com

Lim PF, Smith S, Bhalang K, Slade GD, Maixner W.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES:  The aim of this study is to examine the difference in the report of bodily pain experienced by patients who develop temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and by those who do not develop TMD over a 3-year observation period.

METHODS:  This is a 3-year prospective study of 266 females aged 18 to 34 years initially free of TMD pain. All patients completed the Symptom Report Questionnaire (SRQ) at baseline and yearly intervals, and at the time they developed TMD (if applicable). The SRQ is a self-report instrument evaluating the extent and location of pain experienced in the earlier 6 months. Statistical analysis was carried out using repeated measures ANOVA.

RESULTS:  Over the 3-year period, 16 patients developed TMD based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Participants who developed TMD reported more headaches (P=0.0089), muscle soreness or pain (P=0.005), joint soreness or pain (P=0.0012), back pain (P=0.0001), chest pain (P=0.0004), abdominal pain (P=0.0021), and menstrual pain (P=0.0036) than Participants who did not develop TMD at both the baseline and final visits. Participants who developed TMD also reported significantly more headache (P=0.0006), muscle soreness or pain (P=0.0059), and other pains (P=0.0188) when they were diagnosed with TMD compared with the baseline visit.

DISCUSSION:  The development of TMD was accompanied by increases in headaches, muscle soreness or pain, and other pains that were not observed in the Participants who did not develop TMD. Participants who developed TMD also report higher experience of joint, back, chest, and menstrual pain at baseline.