Perceptions of Individuals With Temporomandibular Disorders About Associated Symptoms and Pain Management Strategies: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is an important source of orofacial pain, which is associated with other symptoms. Due to the chronicity of the condition, self-management strategies are often required. However, little is known about participants' perspectives on the overlapping symptoms and the strategies used to manage facial pain.

Objective: This study aims to explore the perspectives of participants with TMD on the characteristics, beliefs and coping of associated symptoms and what their self-management strategies are for facial pain.

Methods: This was a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study. Thirty-two individuals with an average age of 28.3 years diagnosed with TMD according to the DC/TMD were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify, organise and describe the data.

Results: Five themes were identified: (1) associated symptoms experienced; (2) participant's beliefs; (3) identifying relationships between symptoms; (4) professional management strategies; and (5) daily coping strategies. Participants described their perspectives on headache, neck pain, tinnitus and other jaw symptoms (e.g., fatigue) and the negative interaction between them. Psychological, work-related and mechanical factors appear among possible causes. The use of self-medication and/or non-pharmacological strategies was common for all symptoms, with little search for health professionals. The only exception was tinnitus, where the search for professionals was mentioned based on the fear of something more serious.

Conclusion: Perceptions of associated symptoms and their additional impact, beliefs that can perpetuate chronic conditions and self-management strategies obtained from an individual's perspective may help health professionals to provide more appropriate care for individuals with TMD.