Temporomandibular disorders and headaches in music education students: associations with anxiety

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and headaches are common issues among musicians, potentially influenced by instrument-specific physical demands, parafunctional habits and psychological factors such as anxiety.

To assess the prevalence of TMD and headaches among undergraduate music education students and explore their associations with anxiety, considering the specific demands of different instrument types.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 101 undergraduate music education students. Data were collected using validated tools, including the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7. Statistical analyses examined the influence of variables like instrument type, academic year and daily practice duration on TMD and headache symptom severity.

TMD and headache symptoms were reported by 74% and 79% of participants, respectively. In the HIT‑6 model, headache severity was lower in first‑year students (β = -1.985, P =0.009) and in participants without anxiety (β = -1.668, P =0.023). In the FAI model, TMD symptoms were higher in upper string players (β = 1.051, P = 0.046) and wind players (β = 1.430, P = 0.035). Participants with no anxiety (β = -2.272, P = 0.003) or mild anxiety (β = 1.594, P = 0.007) had lower TMD severity compared to those with severe anxiety. Age, daily practice time and gender were not significant in either model.

TMD and headaches are highly prevalent in music education students, particularly among certain instrument groups and those with higher anxiety. Recognition of these associations may support further research into targeted risk assessment and management in this population.