Temporomandibular disorders and central sensitization inventory : an exploratory study

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be associated with central sensitization (CS). The first aim of this study was to compare TMD patients with CS-related symptoms (assessed by, using the central sensitization inventory – CSI-, regarding pain severity, pain sensitivity, the widespread nature of pain, the impact on life, psychosocial factors and comorbidities. Secondly, the aims were to assess, in an exploratory manner, the relationship between the CSI and the other outcomes. We found differences between the groups concerning pain severity, the widespread nature of pain, the impact on life, psychosocial factors and comorbidities, but not the pain sensitivity. Most of the CSI variance can be explained based of dysfunctional breathing related symptoms, headaches related functional impact and neck related disability. Futures studies are needed to provide more information about the CSI validity and the clinical tools able to discriminate patients with CS.