Headache: an important factor associated with muscle soreness/pain at the two-year follow-up point among patients with major depressive disorder

Association between anxiety and temporomandibular dysfunction in adult patients - a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Anxiety tends to increase muscle tension and painful symptoms; however, its symptoms can be associated with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Therefore, it is crucial for professionals to identify the presence of both comorbidities and determine whether they are related. This study aims to systematically evaluate the literature and answer the question: "Is there an association between anxiety and TMD in adults?"

METHODS

The study followed the PRISMA protocol and was registered in PROSPERO. The custom search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Lilacs databases, as inclusion criteria observational studies that evaluated the association between anxiety and TMD in adults.

RESULTS

A total of 1640 articles were found. After removing duplicates, 988 were evaluated by title and abstract. Of these, 28 were selected for reading in full, of which 13 were included in the present review.

CONCLUSION

The association of anxiety with TMD is positive, except for the minority indicating a low relationship between the disorders, which is explained by neuroscience.

Neck and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Symptoms Secondary to Maladaptive Postures Caused by Cell Phones and Backpacks in School-Aged Children and Adolescents

Technology is an essential part of our lives. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to leave the house without a cell phone. Despite the wide range of benefits of cell phones and handheld electronic devices, this evolution of technology has not come without a price. The pandemic of cell phone use among children and young adolescents has led to the emergence of a set of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms that have not been seen before in this age group. These symptoms can range from neck and shoulder discomfort to pain, peripheral neurological symptoms of the upper extremity, and long-term complications such as disk prolapse and degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine. This clinical presentation is known as “text neck syndrome.” In addition to MSK symptoms, text neck syndrome could also include eye and ear symptoms, psychological problems, peripheral neurological symptoms, and poor academic performance. Multiple mechanisms have been discussed by which cell phone use causes MSK symptoms. Maladaptive postures, a decrease in physical activity leading to obesity, and the direct effect of electromagnetic radiation are some of the mechanisms by which long-term use of cell phones leads to the clinical presentation of text neck syndrome and its long-term consequences. The purpose of this article is to review the literature, discuss the epidemiology of cell phone use and MSK symptoms associated with its use in children and adolescents, describe its clinical presentation, explain the pathophysiology behind it, and provide preventative guidelines that can be used by this age group to allow for the continued use of these electronics without harmful effects on their posture and long-term health.

Gender Differences In Functional Somatic Disorders Of Indigenous Adolescents In Khakassia

Rationale — The goal of the study was to investigate gender characteristics of functional somatic disorders in adolescents of the indigenous population of Khakassia (using the case study of the Abakan city). Material and methods — The object of the study was 215 (46.8%) boys and 244 (53.2%) girls of four secondary schools in Abakan. Their average age was 14.5±1.3 years. Data collection was conducted by means of an original screening questionnaire developed by Professor S.Yu. Tereshchenko. Results — The incidence of recurrent pain in the total sample of the surveyed youths was 184 (40.1%) for cephalalgia, 225 (49.0%) for abdominal pain, and 269 (58.7%) for back pain. The prevalence and structure of functional somatic disorders in Khakas adolescents depended on their gender. Asthenic syndrome was more common among girls – 42 (17.2%) vs. 14 (6.5%) in boys. In girls, the percentage of frequent headaches was higher than in boys: 22 (9.0%) vs. 8 (3.7%), respectively. Similar trend was observed in case of rare headaches: 100 (41.0%) vs. 54 (25.1%). Also, girls, compared with boys, were characterized by a higher incidence of both frequent and rare abdominal pains: 38 (15.6%) vs. 9 (4.2%) and 106 (43.4%) vs. 72 (33.5%), correspondingly. Conclusion — The case study of surveyed ethnic sample of Abakan school students revealed a high prevalence of recurrent pain syndromes in the indigenous youths of Khakassia. We have also established that incidence, structure and severity of recurrent pain, as well as its negative impact on well-being and daily activities, were associated with gender.

Text Neck Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

Neck pain is a prevalent health problem, largely reported in adult patients. However, very recent data show that new technologies are inducing a shift in the prevalence of this relevant issue from adulthood to all of the pediatric ages. In fact, the precocious and inappropriate use of personal computers and especially cell phones might be related to the development of a complex cluster of clinical symptoms commonly defined as "text neck syndrome". The purpose of this article is to analyze the new phenomenon of the "text neck syndrome", the underlying causes and risk factors of musculoskeletal pain, that can be modified by changes in routine life, in different cultures and habits, and on the "text neck syndrome" as increased stresses on the cervical spine, that can lead to cervical degeneration along with other developmental, medical, psychological, and social complications. Findings support the contention that an appropriate approach for an early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to properly evaluate this emerging issue worldwide in children and adolescents who spend a lot of time watching smartphones and computers; additional research with more rigorous study designs and objective measures of musculoskeletal pain are needed to confirm significant relationships. Existing evidence is limited by non-objective measures and the subjective nature of musculoskeletal pain.

[Myofascial pain syndrome in the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint]

AIM

Selection of the clinical characteristics of pain syndrome in the orofacial region in temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome (TMJ PDS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and two patients with TMJ PDS were examined using the Verbal Descriptive Pain Rating Scale of the orofacial area. The Clinical Index of TMJ dysfunction (CID) by Helkimo M. was used for objectification of the level of musculo-tonic disorders in the area of the chewing muscles. The psychopathological status of patients with TMJ PDS was assessed with HRDS and SCL-90-R.

RESULTS

A significant proportion of patients with TMJ PDS, in addition to algic symptoms, have hypertonus of the facial muscles, the nature and severity of which require not only a special diagnostic assessment, but also follow-up treatment. The analysis of data allowed us to identify three clinical groups of patients: with isolated (muscular-tonic), neurological symptoms; with mixed (combination of muscular-tonic and somatoform manifestations) neurological and psychopathological symptoms and with somatoform symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Patients with TMJ PDS are clinically heterogeneous and require clinical differentiation, distinguishing the common group of patients with muscular dysfunction accompanied by pain and emotional response to it (anxiety and minor depressive symptoms) and the group of patients with a somatoform disorder (and manifestations as general anxiety).

Migraine with active headache was associated with other painful physical symptoms at two-year follow-up among patients with major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the associations of comorbid migraine with other painful physical symptoms (PPS) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) at the two-year follow-up point. This study aimed to investigate this issue.

METHODS

At baseline, 155 outpatients with MDD were enrolled. Migraine was diagnosed at baseline according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders. At follow-up, data of 101 subjects were analyzed. The average intensities of head, bone and/or joints, back, chest, abdomen, neck and/or shoulder, general muscle, and limb pain in the past week were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). At follow-up, active headache was defined as a score on the VAS > 3. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate the associations of migraine at baseline with other PPS at follow-up.

RESULTS

Compared with the migraine with inactive headache group and the non-migraine group, patients with migraine with active headache had significantly higher intensities of other PPS and a lower remission rate of depression. There were no significant differences in the pain intensities of the other seven PPS between the migraine with inactive headache group and the non-migraine group. Headache intensity was significantly correlated with the intensities of other PPS at baseline and follow-up. Migraine with active headache independently predicted other PPS after controlling for depression and anxiety at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Migraine with active headache among MDD patients could predict other PPS. Prevention and treatment of headache might help to decrease other PPS and improve the prognosis of depression. Integration of treatment for depression and headache is indicated.

Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain symptoms among school-age adolescents: age and sex differences

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Non-specific musculoskeletal pain symptoms are common in adolescents and may differ between the sexes, and be related to age and daily activities. It is critical to examine the prevalence and frequency of symptoms in adolescent students who tend to have pain which interferes with their routine activities. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and frequency of self-reported musculoskeletal pain symptoms by age and sex, and we also examined the association of symptoms with routine activities of school-age adolescents by area of pain.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Thai students aged 10-19 years. All 2,750 students were asked to report previous 7-day and/or 12-month pain using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (Thai version) in 10 body areas. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age and sex was used to analyze the association between daily activity and musculoskeletal pain symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 76.1% (n=2,093) of students reported experiencing pain in the previous 7 days, 73.0% (n=2,007) reported in the previous 12-month period and 83.8% (n=2,304) reported pain in both 7-day and 12-month periods. The most common pain area was from a headache, with other areas being neck and shoulders, in that order, for both periods of time. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was especially higher in older groups and females. Participants reported frequency of pain as "sometimes in different areas" ranging from 78.4% to 88% and severity of pain at 3.82±2.06 out of 10 (95% CI 3.74-3.91). Routine daily activities associated with symptoms of headache, neck, shoulders, and ankles or feet pain were computer use (head, OR=2.22), school bag carrying (neck, OR=2.05), school bag carrying (shoulder, OR=3.09), and playing sports (ankle or foot, OR=2.68).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms was high in both the previous 7-day and 12-month periods, especially in females and older adolescents, although most of them sometimes experienced pain. Computer use and school bag carrying were associated with headache, neck and shoulder pain, while playing sports was related to symptoms of the foot and ankle.

IMPLICATIONS

The prevalence of pain was high, particularly in the older and female groups. Although they experienced mild symptoms sometimes, the related daily activities leading to these symptoms should be closely noticed.

Migraine and greater pain symptoms at 10-year follow-up among patients with major depressive disorder

Background

No study has investigated the associations of migraine with pain symptoms over a ten-year period among outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to investigate this issue.

Methods

At baseline, the study enrolled 290 outpatients with MDD and followed-up the patients at six-month, two-year, and ten-year time points. MDD and anxiety comorbidities were diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-text revision. Migraine was diagnosed based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders. The bodily pain subscale of the Short Form 36 (SF-BP) and the pain subscale (PS) of the Depression and Somatic Symptoms scale were also used. Generalized Estimating Equation models were employed to investigate the longitudinal impacts of migraine on pain symptoms.

Results

MDD patients with migraine had lower SF-BP and higher PS scores than those without. Depression, anxiety, and headache indices were significantly correlated with SF-BP and PS scores. The higher the frequency of migraine, the more often patients suffered from pain symptoms. Patients with migraine at all investigated time points suffered from pain symptoms most of the time (ranging from 60.0% to 73.7%) over the 10 years. After controlling for depression and anxiety, migraine was independently associated with a decreased SF-BP score (by 8.93 points) and an increased PS score (by 1.33 points).

Conclusion

Migraine was an important comorbidity associated with greater severities of pain symptoms during long-term follow-up. Migraine treatment should be integrated into the treatment of depression to improve pain symptoms and quality of life in the pain dimension.

Mental Status as a Common Factor for Masticatory Muscle Pain: A Systematic Review

Masticatory muscle pain (MMP) is the primary reason for chronic non-odontogenic orofacial pain in the human population. MMP has become a considerable social problem, which affects about 12-14% of the adult population and is 1.5-2 times more frequent in women than in men. This term defines a pain which has its origins in the masticatory muscles. Although MMP is typically felt in the face, jaws, and preauricular area, MMP can radiate to the ear, teeth, head, and neck. This systematic review explains the relationship between MMP and common mental states, such as anxiety, depression, mood and stress-related disorders, and is reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We performed a search in the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles published after November 1st 2006 in the context of MMP and mental states. According to the defined criteria, 38 studies were finally included into the systematic review, of which prospective cohort studies were found to be the most common. We investigated four primary outcomes (anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and stress-related disorders) and several secondary outcomes of search. Seventy-nine percent of studies concerned depression, 42% anxiety, 29% mood disorders, and 21% stress-related disorders. Most of the studies showed a relationship between MMP and alterations in mental status. Nonetheless, the researchers usually evidenced only the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders and dysfunctions of the masticatory muscles among the group of patients, in large part in women. Moreover, some studies were marked with limited generalizability of the reported results, quality flaws and heterogeneity. In the light of the analyzed literature, the causal relationship between mental states and MMP is still not clearly established.