Perceived helpfulness of treatments for myofascial TMD as a function of comorbid widespread pain

Objective: This study examined whether patients with myofascial temporomandibular disorder (mTMD) comorbid with fibromyalgia (FM) receive different treatments or respond differently to these treatments than mTMD-only patients. Materials and methods: A total of 125 mTMD+ women were enrolled (26 FM+ and 98 FM−). mTMD and FM were assessed via clinical research examinations. Treatment histories and self-reported treatment-related improvement were obtained via interview. Results: The top 3 most common treatments reported were oral appliances (59%), physical therapy (54%), and jaw exercises at home (34%). Use of alternative medicine was reported more frequently among FM+ women, but self-reported improvement did not differ by comorbid FM. Physical therapy was as likely reported by FM status but self-reported improvement scores trended higher for FM+ women. Conclusions: Oral appliances were as likely to be reported by FM comorbid as FM− women. Oral appliances did not outperform self-management treatments on self-reported improvement of facial pain. Clinical relevance: Results support the use of self-management as first-line treatment for mTMD and potential utility of inquiring about widespread pain for treatment planning.