Investigation of the relationship of pain intensity with functional and mental state parameters in women with temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Our study was conducted to investigate the relationship between jaw pain intensity at rest and functional and mental status parameters in women individuals with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. Sixty women individuals with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) with a mean age of 33.67 ± 13.54 years were included in the study. Individuals' jaw and neck pain intensity were evaluated by Visual Analog Scale, TMED severity by Fonseca Anamnestic Index, mandibular range of motion by 15 cm sliding caliper and 10 cm ruler, cervical range of motion by Baseline Bubble Inclinometer, cervical region deep flexor muscle endurance by "Deep Cervical Flexor Endurance Test", mental status by Patient Health Questionnaire-4. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Chi-square test and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. It was determined that there was a positive correlation between the intensity of jaw pain at rest and the severity of TMJD (r=0,518), having bruxism in women individuals with TMJD; there was a significant negative correlation between the left lateralization range of motion of the mandible (p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between jaw pain intensity at rest and cervical range of motion, cervical deep flexor muscle endurance and mental status in women individuals with TMJD (p>0.05). The findings of the study showed that the intensity of jaw pain at rest increased as the severity of TMJD increased in women individuals with TMJD. It was found that a 1-unit increase in TMJD severity increased the intensity of jaw pain at rest by 0.5 cm. The results of our study showed that there was a relationship between jaw pain intensity at rest and TMJD severity, bruxism and left lateralization in female individuals with TMJD. This result suggests that pain-oriented rehabilitation practices will have a positive effect on quality of life in female individuals with TMJD.