Pain and associated symptoms: comparison between fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia has multivariate symptoms, also affecting temporomandibular region. This study aimed at comparing facial signs and symptoms of females with fibromyalgia and females with temporomandibular disorder. METHODS: This is a crossover study with 61 females divided in two groups: fibromyalgia group (31) and temporomandibular disorder group (30). Evaluated variables in all patients were: pain intensity in temporomandibular joint by means of visual analog scale, report of pain or discomfort during daily activities (mouth opening/closing, during meals, when talking), presence of joint noises (clicking and popping), dizziness, tinnitus, headache and mouth opening capacity. Variables were compared by unpaired t and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Facial pain was reported by 100% of studied patients with no difference in intensity among fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder groups (p=0.2170). Fibromyalgia group has reported more pain during daily life activities as compared to temporomandibular disorder group (p<0.0001). With regard to joint noises, there has been more right temporomandibular joint clicking (p=0.006) in the temporomandibular disorder group. Fibromyalgia group patients have higher percentage of signs and symptoms associated to temporomandibular disorder, such as dizziness, tinnitus and headache (p<0.000). CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia patients have clinical signs and symptoms similar to those found in temporomandibular disorder patients, being pain, discomfort during daily activities, tinnitus, hum and headache more exacerbated in the fibromyalgia group.