Long-lasting orofacial pain : a study of 109 consecutive patients referred to a pain group

• The aim was to register and evaluate the orofacial pain condition, with special focus on the equalities/inequalities between the sexes, in consecutive patients referred to the pain group at the Centre for Oral Health Sciences in Malmö, Sweden. The 109 patients, 85 (78%) women and 24 (22%) men, were referred to the pain group during the years 1988 to 1993 and were clinically examined using a standardised procedure. Pain duration of one year or more was experienced by 83% of the patients. The pain onset was related to dental care or toothache by 56% of the patients. Temporomandibular disorders were the most common diagnoses (52%) and were more common among women than among men (p < 0.05). Multiple pain locations were frequently reported, range 1-47 locations, and the women had significantly (p < 0.05) more pain locations than the men. Equalities between the sexes were more frequent than inequalities among patients referred for long-lasting orofacial pain. It can be discussed whether the sex difference in the prevalence of pain of musculoskeletal origin emerges from biological differences or can be explained by different psychosocial circumstances.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

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