Applicability of the instruments for measuring pain intensity in persons with masticatory myofascial pain

Abstract

Introduction/Objective The most frequent clinical presentation of myofascial pain (MFP) includes the presence of a deep local muscle pain, limited level of movements, heterotopic pain of trigger points in the referent zones, and the loss of the major symptoms by anesthetizing these points. The only manner to objectively and comprehensively evaluate pain, as a multidimensional experience, is by applying multiple methods in its diagnostics. The objective of this paper was to corelate diagnostic possibilities of different quantification instruments for the assessment of pain intensity in persons with masticatory MFP. Methods The study involved 60 subjects, divided into two groups stratified according to their sex and age. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders diagnostic protocol was applied, within which the numeric scale of pain, digital palpation, graded chronic pain scale, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and algometry were used. Results The cardiac power index values are statistically significant and in negative correlation with the algometric measurements (from-0.48 to-0.59) and in positive, statistically significant, correlation with the VAS values (0.71). Conclusion The results of studies we obtained lead us to the conclusion that there is an interdependence of these instruments for the measurement of pain intensity in persons with masticatory MFP and that the VAS and algometry are more objective and precise methods than the manual palpation.