Musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial factors among patients with craniomandibular disorders

Abstract

General musculoskeletal symptoms and emotional stress situations in terms of psychosocial stressors at work and sleeping disturbances were compared between patients with craniomandibular disorders (CMD) (56 women, 24 men) and a random population sample (88 men, 86 women in the Stockholm Music 1 study). A multiple-choice questionnaire was used. In comparison with the CMD men the CMD women had an increased rate of tooth clenching and muscular pain in the face. When compared with the women in the population sample, the CMD women showed increased risks for musculoskeletal pain in various parts of the body, such as neck, shoulders, thoracic back, wrist/hands, and the knees. A comparison between the CMD men and the men in the population did not show any clear differences in prevalence of general musculoskeletal symptoms. However, the CMD men differed in reporting higher scores for psychologic demands at work and also in having more sleeping disturbances.