Establishment of quantitative indicators for an efficient treatment on masticatory muscle pain

Abstract

Background: Although several studies have investigated effective treatments for masticatory muscle pain (MMP), no unified conclusion has been drawn regarding the effectiveness of these treatments. Objectives: This study aimed to define quantitative indicators for predicting the outcome of MMP treatment. Materials and Methods: In total, patients aged 20–70 years were recruited and divided into the MMP (n = 24) and control (n = 36) groups, based on the presence of MMP according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. At pretreatment, the MMP group was assessed using quantitative indicators such as subjective pain levels, pain duration, graded chronic pain scale (GCPS), and perceived stress scale (PSS). Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were analyzed. The masticatory muscle palpation score and the range of mouth opening were measured. At posttreatment, subjective pain levels, mouth opening, and treatment/medication duration were examined. The PSS and sAA levels were assessed in the control group. Results: sAA levels in the MMP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p