Comparison of Psychologic and Physiologic Functioning Between Patients with Masticatory Muscle Pain and Matched Controls

Authors

Charles R. Carlson, University of KentuckyFollow
Jeffrey P. Okeson, University of KentuckyFollow
Donald Falace, University of KentuckyFollow
Arthur J. Nitz, University of KentuckyFollow
Shelly L. Curran, University of Kentucky
Donald Anderson, University of Kentucky

Abstract

This study explored the physiologic and psychologic distinctions between masticatory muscle pain patients and age and sex-matched normal controls. Subjects completed several standardized psychologic tests. They then underwent a laboratory stress profile evaluation to obtain physiologic measures (EMG, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) under conditions of rest, mental stress, and relaxation. The pain patients reported greater anxiety, especially cognitive symptoms, and feelings of muscle tension than did the controls. Under stress, pain patients had higher heart rates and systolic blood pressure than the controls. Electromyogram activity in the masseter regions was not significantly different between the pain and control group. The results are discussed in terms of the likely mechanisms that might account for the observed differences between masticatory pain patients and normal subjects.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 1993

Notes/Citation Information

Published in Journal of Orofacial Pain, v. 7, no. 1, p. 15-22.

Repository Citation

Carlson, Charles R.; Okeson, Jeffrey P.; Falace, Donald; Nitz, Arthur J.; Curran, Shelly L.; and Anderson, Donald, "Comparison of Psychologic and Physiologic Functioning Between Patients with Masticatory Muscle Pain and Matched Controls" (1993). CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles. 288.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/crvaw_facpub/288