Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction and pain in adult general practice patients

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Administered Intra-Articularly in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: This systematic review was designed to summarize randomized controlled trials of intra-articular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Randomized controlled trials regarding intra-articular injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for temporomandibular disorders were included in the review. The final search was conducted on 16 June 2024 in the Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Results: Of the 173 identified studies, 6 were eligible for review. In trials comparing arthrocentesis alone to arthrocentesis with NSAIDs, slight differences in joint pain were noted. For tenoxicam, differences were under 1 point on a 0-10 scale after 4 weeks, with inconsistent results. Piroxicam showed no significant difference, and pain levels were minimal in both groups. For maximum mouth opening (MMO), tenoxicam showed no significant difference. Piroxicam increased MMO by nearly 5 mm, based on one small trial with bias concerns. Conclusions: Currently, there is no strong scientific evidence supporting the injection of NSAIDs into the temporomandibular joint to relieve pain or increase jaw movement. Preliminary reports on piroxicam with arthrocentesis and tenoxicam or diclofenac without rinsing justify further research.

The epidemiological profile of temporomandibular joint disorders in the Tunisian population: A cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to explore the prevalence, signs, and symptoms of different types of TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorders) disorders in Tunisian patients.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the clinical records of patients from the Department of Functional Exploration, Pain, and Orofacial Dysfunction of the Dental Clinic of Monastir.

Results

TMD is associated with a female predominance, with a peak prevalence among those aged between 20 and 40 years. Pain and a limited range of motion were significantly more prevalent in women (p = 0.019 and p = 0.012, respectively). Clicking sounds were the most frequent joint noises (38.2 %). Crepitus was more prevalent among older adults (33 %). Of the different types of TMD, disk displacement with reduction was the most prevalent (n = 216, 39 %). Sleep bruxism was more prevalent than awake bruxism (20.7 % VS 9.5 %). Due to the heterogeneous TMD signs and symptoms, patients tend to seek medical attention from various specialties (e.g. neurology and otolaryngology).

Conclusion

The prevalence of different types of TMD, and the different signs and symptoms varied depending on sociodemographic characteristics, such as sex, age and lifestyle. Diagnosis is challenging and TMD may be confused with other orofacial pain conditions.

Relationship of temporomandibular joint disorders with cervical posture and hyoid bone position

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate craniocervical posture and hyoid bone position in patients with and without temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

METHODS

A total of 113 people were included in the study, including 55 TMD patients and 58 healthy controls. Using lateral cephalograms, the craniofacial, craniocervical, and hyoid bone positions of the participants were evaluated in terms of 27 variables.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in craniocervical angles between participants with or without TMD. While the Hy-B, Hy-NSL, Hy-NL measurements and FMA (°), AFH (mm) measurements of participants with TMD were lower than the control group, the hyoid angle was greater than the control group.

CONCLUSION

These study findings provide evidence that TMD is not related to craniocervical posture but to the position of the hyoid bone and craniofacial morphology.

Association of Oxidative-Stress-Related Gene Polymorphisms with Pain-Related Temporomandibular Disorders and Oral Behavioural Habits

The frequency of selected polymorphisms, one in each gene coding for proteins with antioxidative properties (CAT(rs1001179), SOD2(rs4880), GPX1(rs1050450), and NQO1(rs689452)), was compared between patients suffering from pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDp; n = 85) and control subjects (CTR; n = 85). The same was evaluated when participants were divided with respect to oral behavioural habits frequency into high-frequency parafunction (HFP; n = 98) and low-frequency parafunction (LFP; n = 72) groups. Another aim was to investigate whether polymorphisms in these genes can be associated with participants' psychological and psychosomatic characteristics. Polymorphisms were genotyped using the genomic DNA extracted from buccal mucosa swabs and real-time TaqMan genotyping assays. No differences in genotype distribution between TMDp patients and control subjects were found. Still, TMDp patients who were homozygous for minor allele A, related to the GPX1 polymorphism rs1050450, reported significantly more waking-state oral behaviours than GA + GG genotype carriers (score: 30 vs. 23, p = 0.019). The frequency of genotype AA for rs1050450 polymorphism was higher in HFP than in LFP participants (14.3% vs. 4.2%, p  = 0.030). The most important predictors of waking-state oral behaviours were depression, anxiety, AA genotype (rs1050450), and female sex. The explored gene polymorphisms were not found to be significant risk factors for either TMDp or sleep-related oral behaviours. The association of waking-state oral behaviours with selected gene polymorphisms additionally supports previous assumptions that daytime bruxism is more closely linked to various stress manifestations, which might also be reflected through the variability related to the cellular antioxidative activity.

Correlation Between the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders and Their Association With Psychological Distress in Central Saudi Arabia

Background In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and their association with psychological distress in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was sent randomly to residents of Al-Qassim province. They were asked to complete a TMD pain screener, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Correlations between symptoms of pain-related TMDs and PHQ-4 and GAD-7 scores were analyzed using Spearman's correlation test. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for sex, age, TMD, PHQ-4, GAD-7, and TMD pain-screener responses. A chi-square test was performed to determine the association between demographic data and psychological profiles. Results The majority of the respondents (59.4%) reported at least one symptom of pain-related TMDs. The TMD pain score was positively correlated with PHQ-4 and GAD-7 scores. Conclusions Residents of the Al-Qassim region who experienced elevated levels of psychological distress had significantly more pain-related TMD symptoms. These findings imply a link between psychological distress and TMD symptoms.

Einfluss von aktiven Übungsprogrammen und Aufbissschienen auf die kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktion

Hintergrund

Rund 40 % der Weltbevölkerung sind von einer kraniomandibulären Dysfunktion (CMD) betroffen. Diese äußert sich durch Schmerzen, Bewegungseinschränkungen und/oder Kiefergelenkgeräusche und wird durch die große Varianz an Symptomen meist erst spät diagnostiziert und behandelt. Nicht selten kommt es zu Einschränkungen der Lebensqualität der Betroffenen. In der Behandlung der CMD spielen Physiotherapie und Schienenversorgung eine wichtige Rolle.

Ziel

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Auswirkungen von Heimübungsprogrammen (HÜs) und Schienentherapie (ST) auf die Hauptsymptome der CMD zu klären. Es soll herausgefunden werden, ob eine Kombination der beiden Therapien einen therapeutischen Mehrwert darstellt.

Material und Methoden

Mittels Literaturrecherche in den Datenbanken PubMed, PEDro und Cochrane wurden Studien recherchiert und nach Durchsicht adäquater Abstracts die Volltexte zusammengefasst und kritisch diskutiert.

Ergebnisse

Sowohl HÜs als auch ST führen zu einer Verbesserung der beschriebenen Symptome und der Lebensqualität. Bei myogener CMD zeigen HÜs einen besseren Therapieeffekt auf die Kiefergelenkbeweglichkeit. Bei der Diagnose Diskusverlagerung mit Reposition waren im Gegensatz dazu keine deutlichen Therapieerfolge feststellbar. In keiner der analysierten Studien ergab eine Kombination der beiden Interventionen einen Mehrwert. Bei der Analyse der Lebensqualität war die Vergleichbarkeit aufgrund unterschiedlicher und nicht optimaler Fragebögen nur beschränkt möglich. Vergleicht man die Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Maßnahmen in Bezug auf die Interventionsdauer, ließ sich feststellen, dass zu Beginn der Therapien bessere Ergebnisse erzielt wurden als nach längerer Behandlungszeit. Auch die Dropout-Raten nahmen bei längeren Follow-up-Zeiten zu.

Schlussfolgerungen

Eine individuelle Anpassung der HÜs fördert die Compliance und Therapieadhärenz. Aufgrund der aktuellen Studienlage wird davon ausgegangen, dass sowohl HÜs als auch ST angemessene Methoden darstellen, um Schmerzen und Kiefergelenkgeräusche zu reduzieren und eine Verbesserung der Kiefergelenkbeweglichkeit und Lebensqualität zu erzielen. Bei myogener CMD stellen HÜs eine adäquate, kostengünstige Alternative zur ST dar. Weitere Forschung ist notwendig, um die genaue Therapiewirkung auf die verschiedenen Diagnosegruppen zu analysieren. Bezüglich der Lebensqualität sind weitere Analysen mit adäquaten Fragebögen notwendig.

Comparison of psychological states and oral health-related quality of life of patients with differing severity of temporomandibular disorders

BACKGROUND

Studies on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) severity in patient populations are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare the psychological states and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients with differing TMD severity.

METHODS

Adult patients (≥18 years old) with and without (controls) TMDs were recruited from the TMD/oro-facial pain centre and prosthodontics department, respectively. The presence and severity of TMDs were established with the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), and TMD diagnoses were confirmed with the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD). Psychological states and OHRQoL were examined with the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and Oral Health Impact Profile for TMDs (OHIP-TMD). Data were subjected to chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman's correlation (α = .05).

RESULTS

A total of 961 participants with a mean age of 32.99 ± 13.14 years (71.19% women) were assessed. Frequencies of the various TMD categories were as follows: no TMD/controls (12.07%), mild TMD (24.56%), moderate TMD (40.37%) and severe TMD (23.00%). The three most common TMD-related symptoms were TMJ noises, mouth opening difficulty and muscle pain. Participants with moderate/severe TMD presented a higher proportion of intra-articular and/or combined disorders. They reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress and poorer OHRQoL than their counterparts with no/mild TMD (p < .001). Moderate-to-strong correlations were observed between FAI and DASS-21/OHIP-TMD scores (rs = 0.42-0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with moderate/severe TMD had significantly higher levels of psychological disturbance and poorer OHRQoL. As OHRQoL and psychological states are correlated, psychological well-being must be considered when managing patients with moderate/severe TMDs.

Prevalence of self-reported pain-related temporomandibular disorders and association with psychological distress in a dental clinic setting

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of self-reported pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and its association with psychological status in a dental clinic setting.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, patients were asked to complete a TMD pain screener and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Correlations between symptoms of pain-related TMDs and PHQ-4 scores were analysed using Spearman’s correlation test. Symptoms of pain-related TMDs were compared between four groups of participants with different psychological profiles using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by multiple comparisons. The level of significance was adjusted using the Dunn–Bonferroni test.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported pain-related TMDs was 22.2%. TMD pain score was positively correlated with PHQ-4 score. The high anxiety and the comorbidity groups had significantly higher TMD pain scores than the controls.

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of self-reported pain-related TMDs, which was correlated with scores on all psychological assessment scales. Symptoms of pain-related TMDs were significantly greater in patients with high anxiety scores, regardless of depression level.

Temporomandibular joint anatomy: Ultrasonographic appearances and sexual dimorphism

INTRODUCTION

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is common, with a greater prevalence in females. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used for clinical investigation, ultrasonography represents a potential alternative in some clinical scenarios. We designed a protocol for ultrasonographic evaluation of the TMJ and assessed its reliability. Presentation was compared between the sexes to establish whether an anatomical dichotomy underlies the female preponderance of TMJ dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultrasound imaging of the TMJ was carried out in the longitudinal and oblique planes. Standard images were produced using model skulls and healthy volunteers. Measurements were made between the temporal bone, mandibular condyle, joint capsule and overlying skin, as well as of condylar translation during mouth opening. Both joints were scanned in 50 healthy volunteers. Measurements were repeated to evaluate reliability. A novel classification system was used to assess lateral condylar morphology.

RESULTS

The protocol facilitated reliable visualization of key anatomical features of the TMJ (average intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75, p ¯  = 5.4E-03). Distribution of condylar morphology differed between the sexes. The capsular-cutaneous distance ('joint depth') and condylar-temporal bone distance ('interarticular distance') were significantly greater in males than in females.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography provides reliable views of the TMJ in two planes: longitudinal and oblique. Observed sexual dimorphism in TMJ anatomy might be associated with the female preponderance of dysfunction. With a standardized scanning protocol, ultrasound could provide a rapid, cost-effective alternative to MRI as a point-of-care imaging tool in TMJ clinics.

The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in chronic hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with chronic hemodialysis and evaluate the risk factors of developing TMD.Methods: One hundred forty-six subjects were included in the study. The examination for TMD was based on the standardized Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Axis I protocol was used to evaluate the prevalence of TMD sub-diagnoses.Results: The prevalence of TMD was 41.5% in hemodialysis patients and significantly higher than in the control group. The most common symptom was TMJ pain, and the most common TMD subtype was muscular type. Female patients had significantly higher TMD than males. C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone, and albumin were significantly associated with TMD.Conclusion: There was an elevated prevalence of TMD in hemodialysis patients.

Knowledge and management of temporomandibular joint disorders by general dentists in Spain

Background

Given the importance of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), we tried to assess general dentists' knowledge regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment in order to understand their attitude.

Material and Methods

A sample of 130 general dentists answered a 16-item questionnaire on three areas - etiology, diagnosis, and management of common temporomandibular disorders - as well as a question on the need for continuous education regarding TMD management in common clinical practice in Spain. Given that the descriptive statistics achieved reflect significantly different values among means in each area, a variance analysis for repeated measurements was applied in order to contrast differences among etiology, diagnosis, and management knowledge levels.

Results

The contrast test was based on Wilks' Lambda, which assumed a value of 0.120 (F = 467.28; p<.001), demonstrating statistically significant differences among knowledge levels in the three dimensions. The effect size for these differences, measured by partial eta squared, was very high (η2p = 0.88). Such parameters were also analyzed to search for potential differences according to professional experience, with differences being exposed as non-significant at the 0.05 level: etiology (T = 1.60; p = 0.113), diagnosis (T = - 0.17; p = 0.868), and treatment (T = 1.10; p = 0.273).

Conclusions

Our study found that, even though clinicians are generally skilled regarding the knowledge of the etiologic that explain the diagnosis of TMD, they have room for improvement in terms of TMD management compared to the other two areas studied. General dentists could benefit from specific educational programs enhancing TMD management skills. Key words:Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), knowledge and management. Clinical competence, postgraduate, continuing professional development. Surveys, education,orofacial pain.

Self-exercise programmes and occlusal splints in the treatment of TMD-related myalgia-Evidence-based medicine?

BACKGROUND

The low-cost and reversible treatments concerning disorders of the masticatory muscles represent a vast array of regimens. Common treatments include information, stretching exercises, manual therapy, acrylic splints and cognitive behavioural therapy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the evidence behind the use of self-exercising programmes and occlusal splints in the treatment of myofascial pain.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough search of five databases, using four cardinal search terms in combination with twelve supporting terms. We also assessed the evidence quality, using GRADEpro software.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 4967 individual studies. 18 studies met the inclusion criteria and were re-evaluated.

CONCLUSION

The selected studies were in favour of a self-care or an occlusal splint treatment of myalgia. However, a GRADE assessment showed that 14 of the 18 selected studies had low or very low evidence quality. Studies also showed weaknesses with regard to nomenclature and reproducibility. Hence, it is our professional opinion that the evidence level for prescribing self-exercises and occlusal splints in the treatment of myalgia is low.

Is quality of life affected by temporomandibular disorders?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of temporomandibular disorders in quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 102 volunteer patients (68 female) aged 19 to 86 years, who sought medical care in health clinics of the university and were evaluated in the period from September to December 2013. The subjects were examined according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, using a mechanical algometer (Palpeter®) with standardized pressure of 0.5 and 1.0kg, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, to assess quality of life. The data were tabulated for statistical analysis and the variables were correlated with the clinical findings of the temporomandibular disorders and quality of life.

RESULTS

Fifty percent of patients were positive for temporomandibular disorders and 39.2% classified as myofascial pain group. The temporomandibular disorder group was significantly associated with uncomfortable bite (p=0.0000), temporomandibular joint clicking (p=0.0001) and tooth clenching (p=0.0001). The Mann Whitney test used to analyze the SF-36 revealed that the domains of pain (mean score of 47.80%; p<0.0001) and mental health (62.67%; p<0.05) were strongly associated with temporomandibular disorders.

CONCLUSION

The quality of life of individuals with temporomandibular disorders was negatively affected by the presence of pain and mental health disorders.

Self-reportance of temporomandibular disorders in adult patients attending general dental practice in Sweden from 2011 to 2013

OBJECTIVES

The study aim was to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and acceptance or nonacceptance of such disorders in adult patients attending all public dental health services in the County of Sörmland, Sweden, during a 3-year period, 2011-2013.

METHODS

Two questions were asked about TMD and the voluntary mouth-opening capacity was measured. The results were registered in a score 0-3. The registration was completed with a question about each patient's acceptance or nonacceptance of their condition.

RESULTS

More than 73,000 registrations of the TMD condition were performed in general dental clinics from 2011 to 2013. The mean prevalence of a TMD score of 1-3 was 5% and was consistent over these years. Seventy percent of these patients were women. The peak prevalence of TMD was registered in patients aged 30-45 years (38%), and the frequency declined in older age groups. Reduced voluntary mouth-opening capacity (≤35 mm) was found in less than 2% of the participants. About one-fifth of the patients with a TMD-score of 1-3 did not accept their condition and wanted professional care. The frequency of nonacceptance of the condition increased with the severity of symptom score: 15%, 27%, and 49% for scores 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the prevalence of self-reported TMD in adult patients was consistent from 2011 to 2013 and should be considered as a public health issue in Sweden. Patients with more severe TMD pain symptoms wanted care more frequent. The annual clinical calibrations should be continued to achieve an acceptable level of registration.

Prevalence of diagnosed temporomandibular disorders: A cross-sectional study in Brazilian adolescents

Background

The prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) increases during adolescence and adulthood. Few studies have examined TMD prevalence in Brazilian adolescents.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of TMD in Brazilian adolescents.

Methods

A representative population-based sample of 934 adolescents (10–14-years-old) was examined. TMD screening was performed using a questionnaire by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. TMD diagnoses used research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD—Axis-I). Examinations were performed by a single calibrated examiner (kappa > 0.80).

Results

The prevalence of TMD symptoms was 34.9%; the most frequently reported symptoms were headache and neck ache (20.9%), followed by joint sounds (18.5%). Myofascial pain was the most prevalent type (10.3%), followed by disc displacement with reduction (8.0%) and arthralgia (3.5%). There was a significant association between sex and TMD symptoms; prevalence was significantly higher in girls (RP = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.14–1.65; p = 0.001). Myofascial pain of TMD and displacement with reduction were more prevalent in girls (RP = 1.76; p = 0.007 and RP = 2.06; p = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion

TMD symptoms were present in 34.9% of adolescents, with myofascial pain being the most prevalent type (10.3%). TMD was significantly more common in girls. Routine pediatric dental care should include a TMD screening.

Patients with Concomitant Chronic Neck Pain and Myofascial Pain in Masticatory Muscles Have More Widespread Pain and Distal Hyperalgesia than Patients with Only Chronic Neck Pain

Objective

Insufficient evidence exists to compare widespread pain (WP), pain sensibility, and psychological factors that occur in patients presenting with chronic neck pain (CNP) or a combination of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and other complaints. The present study compared the pain sensibility and psychological factors of subjects with CNP with those with TMD + CNP.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Local community.

Subjects

A nonprobabilistic convenience sample of 86 persons with CNP or TMD was recruited into three groups: CNP, TMD with myofascial pain in masticatory muscles with cocomitant CNP (TMD + CNP), and asymptomatic control groups consisted of 27, 29, and 30 participants, respectively.

Methods

Participants underwent a clinical examination to evaluate WP with computerized assessment based on the pain drawing, pressure pain thresholds (PPT), and psychological factors, which were evaluated using the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI).

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between participants with CNP and TMD + CNP for WP (t = -2.80, P  < 0.01, d = -1.06). Post hoc analyses only revealed significant differences between TMD + CNP participants and asymptomatic controls for PPT at extratrigeminal areas. Pearson correlation analyses showed a moderate positive association between symptomatic groups within the WP and STAI ( P  < 0.05) and a moderate negative association between PCS and PPT ( P  < 0.05) at the right tibialis muscle.

Conclusion

TMD + CNP participants had more areas of pain and also showed widespread pain hyperalgesia. Both groups of participants had psychological factors positively associated with STAI and WP; further, PCS and the PPT at the extratrigeminal region were negatively associated with each other in both groups, except for the left tibialis in the TMD + CNP group.

Knowledge and competence in temporomandibular disorders among Swedish general dental practitioners and dental hygienists

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge and competence in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among dentists and dental hygienists working in the public dental service (PDS) in Sweden.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population comprised all general dentists (n = 110) and dental hygienists (n = 80) working in the PDS in two Swedish counties: Kronoberg (K) and Blekinge (B). The participants filled out a questionnaire comprised of 15 questions.

RESULTS

The results of these questions are presented. The overall response rate for the general dentists was 87%, while the rate for the dental hygienists was 71%. Statistically significant differences between the general dentists in the two counties were found regarding the following: education in the field of TMD over the last 5 years (K: 37%, B: 73%), evaluation of occlusion when examining patients with suspected TMD ('always': K: 61%, B: 82%), and a desire for consultation of the OFP (orofacial pain)/TMD specialist by telephone (K: 71%, B: 44%). Regarding the dental hygienists, there was a statistically significant difference concerning the use of the treatment modality 'reassurance' (K: 41%, B: 7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of the dental care providers in both counties - irrespective of professional category - had a positive attitude towards patients with TMD. Knowledge and competence in the field are sparse and require postgraduate education. There is a great need of an OFP/TMD specialist for more complicated patients and a need to implement updated knowledge and competence in the PDS in these two counties.

Psychosocial and Somatosensory Factors in Women with Chronic Migraine and Painful Temporomandibular Disorders

Introduction. Psychosocial and somatosensory factors are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic migraine (CM) and chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Objective. To compare and assess the relationship between pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia in patients with CM or chronic TMD. Method. Cross-sectional study of 20 women with CM, 19 with chronic TMD, and 20 healthy volunteers. Pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia were assessed. The level of education, pain intensity, and magnitude of temporal summation of stimuli in the masseter (STM) and tibialis (STT) muscles were also evaluated. Results. There were significant differences between the CM and chronic TMD groups, compared with the group of asymptomatic subjects, for all variables (p < .05) except kinesiophobia when comparing patients with CM and healthy women. Moderate correlations between kinesiophobia and catastrophizing (r = 0.46; p < .01) were obtained, and the strongest association was between kinesiophobia and magnification (r = 0.52; p < .01). The strongest associations among physical variables were found between the STM on both sides (r = 0.93; p < .01) and between the left and right STT (r = 0.76; p < .01). Conclusion. No differences were observed in pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia between women with CM and with chronic TMD. Women with CM or chronic TMD showed higher levels of pain catastrophizing than asymptomatic subjects.