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Reduced thermal threshold in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders
Author(s) -
Carvalho G. F.,
Chaves T. C.,
Florencio L. L.,
Dach F.,
Bigal M. E.,
BevilaquaGrossi D.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of oral rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2842
pISSN - 0305-182X
DOI - 10.1111/joor.12386
Subject(s) - quantitative sensory testing , medicine , research diagnostic criteria , orofacial pain , neck pain , forearm , threshold of pain , physical therapy , anesthesia , sensory system , surgery , chronic pain , pathology , psychology , alternative medicine , cognitive psychology
Summary Background Many studies have demonstrated the presence of somatosensory modulation changes at different sites in patients with temporomandibular disorders ( TMD s) using different modalities. However, the neck area, a well‐know condition related to TMD , remains unexplored. Objective To assess the thermal pain threshold in patients with TMD and controls at cephalic and extra‐cephalic areas, including the neck. Methods Twenty female patients with TMD s diagnosed by the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD ( RDC / TMD ) and twenty age‐matched controls underwent a first interview about neck pain and disability ( NDI questionnaire). A blinded evaluator assessed the thermal pain threshold for cold ( CPT ) and heat ( HPT ) stimuli in accordance with an ascending method of limits of the Quantitative Sensory Testing at the following sites: periorbital, masseter, cervical posterior and ventral forearm. The groups were compared using a t ‐test with α = 5%. Results Patients with TMD s reported pain at higher temperature for cold stimuli in all sites ( P < 0·05) and at lower temperature for heat stimuli in the right periorbital site ( P < 0·05) than controls. Pain and disability due tothis symptom were reported more often in the TMD group ( P < 0·05). Conclusion Patients with TMD have pain modulation changes in the neck area as well, especially for cold stimuli, associated with higher disability and a higher report of neck pain than controls. These findings reinforce the evidence regarding the relationship between TMD s and neck pain.