Reduced thermal threshold in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pain Research
• Somatosensory Science

Background:

• Somatosensory modulation changes are documented in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
• The neck area, often linked to TMD, has not been extensively studied for somatosensory changes.
• Previous research utilized various modalities to assess pain modulation in TMD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate thermal pain thresholds in TMD patients versus controls.
• To investigate pain perception in cephalic and extra-cephalic regions, including the neck.
• To explore the relationship between TMD, neck pain, and disability.

Main Methods:

• Twenty female TMD patients (RDC/TMD diagnosed) and 20 age-matched controls participated.
• Neck pain and disability were assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire.
• Thermal pain thresholds (cold and heat) were measured using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) at periorbital, masseter, and cervical sites.

Main Results:

• TMD patients reported pain at higher temperatures for cold stimuli across all tested sites.
• A lower temperature threshold for heat stimuli was observed at the right periorbital site in TMD patients.
• The TMD group reported significantly more neck pain and disability compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• TMD patients demonstrate altered pain modulation in the neck, especially with cold stimuli.
• These findings correlate with increased disability and self-reported neck pain in TMD patients.
• The study reinforces the established link between temporomandibular disorders and neck pain.