To what extent are the characteristics of painful temporomandibular disorders predictors of self-reported limitations in jaw function?

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluated the extent to which the source, intensity, and duration of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain are predictors of limitations in jaw function.

METHODS

The sample included 166 subjects (12-69 years) who self-administered the Jaw Function Limitation Scale (JFLS) and underwent clinical examinations.

RESULTS

In univariate correlations, global limitation (long-form JFLS) as well as mastication, mobility, and communication had the highest correlation with headache attributed to TMD (r = 0.362-0.415; p < 0.001). Correlation was higher for pain intensity than chronicity. In multiple regression analysis, significant predictors of jaw limitations (long-form JFLS) were only headache and increasing age (p < 0.001), when controlling for demographic variables, the characteristics of pain, source of pain, and presence of intraarticular disorders.

DISCUSSION: Limitation in jaw function is influenced more by pain than by the intracapsular condition and even more so by pain intensity than chronicity.