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Published on: September 13, 2024
Exploring the causal relationship between chronic pain and temporomandibular disorders: A two-sample Mendelian
Luyao Song1, Miaomiao Zhao1, Yingnan Wang1
1Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
Neck or shoulder pain significantly increases the risk of temporomandibular disorders. Temporomandibular disorders may also increase the risk of back pain, highlighting the need for integrated pain management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and epidemiology
- Pain research
- Oral and maxillofacial medicine
Background:
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are complex conditions affecting the jaw joint and muscles.
- The relationship between chronic pain conditions and TMD risk requires further elucidation.
- Understanding causal links is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal effects of various chronic pain conditions on the risk of developing TMD.
- To explore potential reverse causal relationships from TMD to chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed.
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for genetic variants served as instrumental variables.
- Robust statistical methods including inverse variance weighted and weighted median were utilized, with sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- A significant causal effect of neck or shoulder pain on TMD risk was identified (OR=6.317).
- A potential reverse causal link was found where TMD may increase back pain risk (OR=1.008).
- No significant causal associations were observed for headache, hip, stomach/abdominal, knee, or facial chronic pain with TMD.
Conclusions:
- This study provides robust evidence for a causal link between neck/shoulder pain and increased TMD risk.
- A bidirectional relationship between TMD and back pain risk is suggested.
- Findings underscore the importance of integrated care approaches and further research into underlying biological mechanisms for targeted interventions.
