Correlation between pressure pain threshold and pain intensity in patients with temporomandibular disorders who are compliant or non-compliant with conservative treatment

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between pain measurements performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in individuals with temporomandibular disorders who underwent conservative treatment.Study DesignThis prospective study assessed 78 individuals diagnosed with myofascial pain, and the treatment consisted of counseling and self-care therapy sessions. Pain was assessed by means of a VAS and PPT at baseline (T0), after 15 to 30 days (T1), and after 75 to 90 days (T2). The participants were divided into two groups: “Compliant Group” and “Non-Compliant Group.” The data were analyzed by means of Spearman's correlation test and Friedman's analysis of variance by ranks.ResultsCorrelations were not identified between the VAS and PPT values at time points—T0, T1, or T2—in any group.ConclusionAlthough, VAS and PPT represent subjective features, such as the perception of pain, the hypothesis that high pain intensity levels are equivalent to high pain sensitivity levels was not demonstrated.