RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FIBROMYALGIA AND TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS IN WOMEN

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) presents widespread chronic pain that influences the quality of life of sufferers, often associated with headache, pain in the temporomandibular joint, psychological and emotional dysfunctions. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) present signs and symptoms that can overlap or trigger similar FM complaints. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FM and TMD in women. This was an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out in a women's community group in the city of Juazeiro do Norte - CE. Patients with clinically diagnosed fibromyalgia were included, aged between 18 and 59 years. Those who had difficulty handling the proposed technology, or who did not wish to participate in the research, were excluded. Collection took place through the application of EVA, IAF and MFIQ questionnaires, the data is presented in the form of graphs and tables. It was verified through n=105, that the average age range of the participants was 36 to 59 years old, high school level, married, low income and had no occupation. The majority had severe pain (69.52%), VAS: 8-10, (73.34%) severe TMD according to the IAF questionnaire and (49.52%) moderate mandibular functional limitation based on the MFIQ, clinical signs such as muscle pain, anxiety and difficulty in performing ADLs were also identified. Therefore, it was observed that there is a relationship between FM and TMD, as they have common signs and symptoms, consequently leading the individual to present various painful and psychosocial dysfunctions.