The contribution of pain and disability on the transition from acute to chronic pain-related TMD: A 3-month prospective cohort study

Abstract

Although most cases of pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are mild and self-limiting, about 10% of TMD patients develop severe disorders associated with chronic pain and disability. It has been suggested that pain intensity contributes to the transition from acute to chronic pain-related TMD. Therefore, the aims of this current prospective cohort study were to assess if pain intensity, pain always being present, pain or stiffness on awakening, jaw activities, and interference, were associated with the transition from acute to chronic pain-related TMD at 3 months of follow-up. One hundred and nine participants, recruited from four clinics in Montreal and Ottawa, received examinations and completed the required instruments at baseline and at the 3rd month of follow-up. In a multivariable analysis including sex, age, characteristic pain index (CPI) (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.01–1.06, P = 0.005), moderate to severe average pain intensity (OR = 3.51, 95%CI = 1.24–9.93, P = 0.02), disability points score (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.06–1.57, P = 0.01), interferences (ORs = 1.30–1.32, P = 0.003–0.005), screening score (OR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.08–1.76, P = 0.01), and pain always present (OR = 2.55, 95%CI = 1.08–6.00, P = 0.03) assessed at first-visit were related to the transition outcome at the 3rd month of follow-up. Further, we found that if 4 patients with acute pain-related TMD on average were exposed to these risk factors at baseline, 1 would have the transition from acute to chronic pain at 3 months of follow-up. Results indicate that these factors are associated with the transition from acute to chronic pain-related TMD, and therefore should be considered as important factors when evaluating and developing treatment plans for patients with pain-related TMD.

Loss of Slc39a12 in hippocampal neurons is responsible for anxiety-like behavior caused by temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis

“…Approximately 31% of adults or elderly people suffer from TMD [ 1 ]. Since the late 20th century, several researches have shown that TMD patients usually experience pain, disability and diminished quality of life [ 2 ]. Specifically, self-reported jaw masticatory function declines and general somatic symptoms and pressure pain sensitivity in the orofacial region increase.…”

The Efficacy of Manual Therapy Approaches on Pain, Maximum Mouth Opening and Disability in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

“…It is a common health condition worldwide with an estimated prevalence ranging from 11% to 31%, and is especially high in people with multiple sclerosis [ 3 , 4 ]. After a new episode of TMD, 27% of people persist with significant pain one year later [ 5 , 6 , 7 ], and recurrence is common [ 8 ]. Its related pain and disability bring direct (e.g., use of medication to alleviate symptoms) and indirect (e.g., productivity loss) costs [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]; therefore, effective management of the condition is important.…”