To what extent are the characteristics of painful temporomandibular disorders predictors of self-reported limitations in jaw function?

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the extent to which the source, intensity, and duration of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain are predictors of limitations in jaw function. METHODS: The sample included 166 subjects (12-69 years) who self-administered the Jaw Function Limitation Scale (JFLS) and underwent clinical examinations. RESULTS: In univariate correlations, global limitation (long-form JFLS) as well as mastication, mobility, and communication had the highest correlation with headache attributed to TMD (r = 0.362-0.415; p < 0.001). Correlation was higher for pain intensity than chronicity. In multiple regression analysis, significant predictors of jaw limitations (long-form JFLS) were only headache and increasing age (p < 0.001), when controlling for demographic variables, the characteristics of pain, source of pain, and presence of intraarticular disorders. DISCUSSION: Limitation in jaw function is influenced more by pain than by the intracapsular condition and even more so by pain intensity than chronicity.

Self-Massage and Low-Level Laser in Treatment of Masseter Myalgia: Short-Term Effect.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the efficiency of massage in the treatment of masseter myalgia compared with biostimulatory laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The instrument Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was used to select subjects and monitor treatment outcome. 54 subjects with masseter myalgia of more than 3 months in duration were invited to participated and 42 cases were available at the end and analyzed. Age range was 16-67 years (median 33, interquartile range 25-53), 36% subjects was ≥40 years and there were 62% females in both groups. Both treatment groups (self-massage and laser) had 21 participants and were monitored one months after the start of treatment. Age, gender, distress, somatization, catastrophizing, hypervigilance, health competence and oral parafunctions were also assessed as factors that could influence effectiveness of treatment. RESULTS: Laser and massage are effective in reducing symptoms of chronic myalgia of the masseter in self-reported limitation of jaw function and reducing pain intensities (p<0.001). Increase of mouth opening was present in both groups, but mainly significant in laser group. The differences in the amount of change between groups were not significant. Psychological characteristics and parafunctions, present before the treatment, age and gender did not have major affect the effectiveness of treatment. CONCLUSION: Both treatment modalities are effective in treatment of chronic myalgia in short-term.