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Method to Measure Tone of Axial and Proximal Muscle
Published on: December 14, 2011
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Relation between Headache and Mastication Muscle Tone in Adolescents
Ewa Wozniak1, Jolanta E Loster1, Aneta Wieczorek1
1Department of Dental Prosthetics, Institute of Dentistry at Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
Pain Research & Management
|October 23, 2018
Summary
Headache is linked to altered mastication muscle tone, specifically a temporal muscle dominance, but only in individuals with temporomandibular disorders. This suggests other factors influence the headache-muscle activity relationship.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Neurology
- Physiology
Background:
- Headache is a prevalent condition impacting quality of life and daily function.
- Headache often co-occurs with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
- Understanding the relationship between headache and masticatory muscle activity is crucial for TMD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between headache presence and masticatory muscle tone in young adults.
- To determine if muscle activity patterns differ in individuals with and without headache.
Main Methods:
- 18-year-old volunteers underwent dental examination and RDC/TMD assessment.
- Participants were categorized into healthy, TMD-affected, and depression groups.
- Surface electromyographic activity (sEMG) of masseter and temporal muscles was recorded.
- An activity index quantified muscle tone predominance during rest, swallowing, and clenching.
Main Results:
- A significant relationship was found between headache and altered masticatory muscle tone (temporal muscle predominance) during maximum clenching.
- This association was specifically observed in the group diagnosed with TMD (sick individuals).
- No significant relationship was detected in healthy individuals or those with depression.
Conclusions:
- Altered masticatory muscle tone is not a direct cause of headache.
- The relationship between headache and muscle tone is likely modulated by other underlying factors, such as TMD diagnosis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between headache, muscle activity, and other contributing factors.
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