Effect of laughter therapy on chronic head and neck pain.

IF 5.4 4区医学 Q2 DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE

Cranio-The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice Pub Date : 2026-09-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-23 DOI:10.1080/08869634.2026.2636089

Joseph R Cohen, Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, R Curtis Bay, Nima Modiri

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the effects of laughter on chronic head and neck pain.

Methods: Subjects with chronic head and neck pain of ≥ six months duration occurring at least four days per week participated in this pilot cohort study. Differences in self-reported pain were assessed at baseline, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21 and Day 28 using the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Present Pain Intensity (PPI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Self-reported daily compliance with using the LaughMD™ app for laughter therapy was assessed. A generalized estimating equations approach was used to compare pain scores across study timepoints.

Results: Thirty-five subjects completed the protocol. Pain scores showed a statistically significant reduction over time. Most [71.4% (n=25)] were compliant with app use.

Conclusion: Using laughter therapy via an app may be an effective adjunct for managing chronic head and neck pain which are frequent symptoms of orofacial pain.

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笑声疗法治疗慢性头颈部疼痛的效果。

目的：研究大笑对慢性头颈部疼痛的影响。方法：慢性头颈部疼痛持续6个月以上，每周至少发生4天的受试者参加了这项先导队列研究。在基线、第7天、第14天、第21天和第28天使用短格式McGill疼痛问卷（SF-MPQ）、当前疼痛强度（PPI）和视觉模拟量表（VAS）评估自我报告疼痛的差异。对使用LaughMD™应用程序进行笑声治疗的自我报告的每日依从性进行评估。采用广义估计方程方法比较各研究时间点的疼痛评分。结果：35名受试者完成了方案。疼痛评分显示随着时间的推移有统计学意义的降低。大多数[71.4% (n=25)]符合应用程序的使用。结论：通过应用程序使用笑声疗法可能是治疗慢性头颈部疼痛的有效辅助手段，慢性头颈部疼痛是口腔面部疼痛的常见症状。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Cranio-The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE-

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

12.50%

发文量

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： CRANIO: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice is the oldest and largest journal in the world devoted to temporomandibular disorders, and now also includes articles on all aspects of sleep medicine. The Journal is multidisciplinary in its scope, with editorial board members from all areas of medicine and dentistry, including general dentists, oral surgeons, orthopaedists, radiologists, chiropractors, professors and behavioural scientists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, osteopathic and ear, nose and throat physicians. CRANIO publishes commendable works from outstanding researchers and clinicians in their respective fields. The multidisciplinary format allows individuals practicing with a TMD emphasis to stay abreast of related disciplines, as each issue presents multiple topics from overlapping areas of interest. CRANIO''s current readership (thousands) is comprised primarily of dentists; however, many physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopathic physicians and other related specialists subscribe and contribute to the Journal.