Reliability of quantitative sensory testing on myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle of individuals with chronic neck pain

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the quantitative sensory testing for measuring the thermal pain threshold on myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle of individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Thirty female participants were included, aged between 18 and 45 years and with bilateral myofascial trigger points, active and centrally located in the upper trapezius muscle. Two measurements with quantitative sensory testing were performed by each examiner at an interval of 1 week between them. RESULTS: We observed substantial reliability for the intra-rater analysis (intraclass correlation coefficient ranging between 0.876 and 0.896) and excellent reliability for the inter-rater analysis (intraclass correlation coefficient ranging between 0.917 and 0.954). CONCLUSION: The measurement of the thermal pain threshold on myofascial trigger points in individuals with chronic neck pain has acceptable reliability values, supporting the use of the quantitative sensory testing in the research setting and the clinical environment.

Neck pain and associated factors in a sample of high school students in the city of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a major public health problem. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of neck pain among high school students and to analyze associations with sociodemographic variables, use of electronic devices, habitual physical activity practices and mental health problems. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional epidemiological study on a sample of high school students in the city of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. METHOD: Participants were selected through cluster sampling in two stages and data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Data collection comprised the following steps: 1. sociodemographic characteristics; 2. use of electronic devices; 3. habitual physical activity levels; 3. mental health; and 4. neck pain. RESULTS: A total of 1,628 participants were interviewed. The prevalence of neck pain was 49.1% (95% confidence interval, CI 46.7 to 51.5), with 40.4% (95% CI 37.0 to 43.7) in men and 57.5% (95% CI 54.2 to 60.9) in women. The variables associated with in neck pain were: female (prevalence ratio, PR = 2.04), use of cell phone in standing posture (PR = 1.47), use of tablet in sitting posture (PR = 1.72), length of computer use greater than 3 hours/day (PR = 1.54), length of cell phone use greater than 3 hours/day (PR = 1.54), length of tablet use greater than 3 hours/ day (PR = 1.34) and mental health problems (PR = 1.56). CONCLUSION: There is high prevalence of neck pain among students and striking associations with female sex, use of electronic devices and mental health problems.

Dolor cervical entre agricultores que producen tabaco en el sur de Brasil / Neck pain among tobacco farm workers in Southern Brazil

RESUMEN Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la prevalencia del dolor cervical y los factores asociados entre agricultores que producen tabaco. Se realizó un estudio transversal en el que participaron 2.469 agricultores que producen tabaco en el sur de Brasil. Para la caracterización del dolor cervical se utilizó una adaptación del cuestionario nórdico para síntomas musculoesqueléticos. El análisis multivariante se realizó mediante la regresión de Poisson, siguiendo un modelo teórico jerárquico. La prevalencia del dolor cervical en el año previo entre la población estudiada fue del 7,4%. Las variables que se asociaron con el dolor cervical entre las mujeres trabajadoras fueron la edad, el consumo de tabaco, el enfardado del tabaco, el uso de motosierras pesadas, trabajar en un ritmo intenso o acelerado y la enfermedad del tabaco verde, mientras que, entre los varones, fueron la edad, el uso de motosierras pesadas, el trabajo sentado en el suelo, la intoxicación por plaguicidas y la enfermedad del tabaco verde. El estudio refuerza la importancia de las cargas de trabajo ergonómicas y fisiológicas en la determinación del dolor cervical. Se necesitan estudios futuros para comprender el papel de la exposición a los plaguicidas y a la nicotina en los problemas musculoesqueléticos. La mecanización de la cosecha del tabaco podría reducir la exposición ergonómica y química, mejorando así la salud de los agricultores.

ABSTRACT This study aims to assess neck pain prevalence and associated factors among tobacco farm workers. This is a cross-sectional study of 2,469 tobacco farm workers in southern Brazil. An adapted version of the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms was used to characterize neck pain. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression, following a hierarchical theoretical model. Neck pain prevalence in the last year among the population studied was 7.4%. Worker age, tobacco smoking, tobacco bundling, use of heavy chainsaws, working at an intense or accelerated pace and green tobacco sickness were variables associated with neck pain in females. Among males, age, use of heavy chainsaws, working in a sitting position on the ground, pesticide poisoning, and green tobacco sickness were associated with the outcome. The study reinforces the importance of ergonomic and physiological workloads in the determination of neck pain. Future studies are needed to understand the role of pesticides and nicotine exposures on musculoskeletal problems. The mechanization of tobacco harvesting could reduce ergonomic and chemical exposure, thereby improving farmers' health.

Dor musculoesquelética em motoristas e cobradores de ônibus da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Brasil / Musculoskeletal pain among bus drivers and fare collectors in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Resumo A dor musculoesquelética em profissionais do setor de transporte tem sido relacionada às condições de trabalho. Objetivou-se estimar a prevalência de dor cervical e sua relação com a dor em outros sítios (braços, mãos e ombros). Verificou-se a associação entre dor no pescoço, relacionada ou não à dor nos outros sítios, com os fatores ocupacionais. Estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico. Foram entrevistados 799 motoristas e 708 cobradores de ônibus da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Para o desfecho foi considerada a resposta sobre a existência de dor por sítio anatômico. A prevalência de dor musculoesquelética no pescoço foi de 16,3%. Para ombros, braços e mãos foram 15,4%, 13,3% e 6,3%, respectivamente. Aqueles com dor no pescoço apresentaram maiores prevalências de dores nas demais áreas estudadas. Os fatores associados à dor musculoesquelética foram sexo feminino, relato de incapacidade, percepção de ameaça a segurança, vibração, ruído elevado ou insuportável e adoção de postura desconfortável. Os resultados indicaram a elaboração de pistas para transformação do ambiente de trabalho, de maneira a contribuir para a promoção da saúde dos trabalhadores.

Abstract Musculoskeletal pain among professionals in the transport sector has been linked to working conditions. The scope of this study was to assess the prevalence of cervical musculoskeletal pain and its relation to pain in other areas (arms, hands and shoulders). The association between neck pain, related to pain in other areas or otherwise, was checked against occupational factors. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted with 799 bus drivers and 708 fare collectors of the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The outcome was characterized according to the positive answer to the question about musculoskeletal pain in the anatomical areas studied. The prevalence of neck pain in the sample was highest at 16.3%, followed by pain in the shoulders 15.4%, arms 13.3% and hands 6.3%. The factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in the sample were being female, complaints of disability, perception of threat to safety, vibration, excessive or unbearable noise and sitting in an uncomfortable posture. The results provide clues to transformation of the workplace, thereby contributing to the enhancement of occupational health.

Systemic diseases and other painful conditions in patients with temporomandibular disorders and migraine

Abstract Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a highly prevalent, painful musculoskeletal condition affecting the masticatory system, and are frequently associated with migraines (M) and other diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between painful TMD and M with other painful conditions and systemic diseases, such as cervicalgia, body pain (BP), ear-nose-throat disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, cardiopulmonary diseases and gastritis/peptic ulcer. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of 352 individuals. Participants were stratified into three groups according to the presence of painful TMD and M: controls [individuals free of TMD and any headache (HA)]; TMD only (presence of painful TMD, but free of any HA); and TMD+M (presence of painful TMD and M). TMD was classified according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) - Axis I. Nonspecific physical symptoms (NSPS) were assessed by RDC/TMD - Axis II. The International Classification of Headache Disorders - II criteria, second edition, were applied to identify and classify primary HA. Other painful conditions and systemic diseases were assessed by volunteers' self-report. The prevalence of all assessed conditions was higher in the TMD+M group. Multiple regression models showed that cervicalgia was associated with the TMD only group (p<0.05), whereas gender (p<0.05), cervicalgia (p<0.05), BP (p<0.05) and NSPS (p<0.05) were significantly associated with the TMD+M group. Our results suggest that individuals with a comorbidity (TMD associated with M) have a more severe condition than those presenting only painful TMD.

Prevalence of chronic spinal pain and identification of associated factors in a sample of the population of São Paulo, Brazil: cross-sectional study / Prevalência de dores de coluna crônicas e identificação de fatores associados em uma amostra da população da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic spinal pain, especially low-back pain and neck pain, is a leading cause of years of life with disability. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic spinal pain among individuals aged 15 years or older and to identify the factors associated with it. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional epidemiological study on a sample of the population of the city of São Paulo. METHOD: Participants were selected using random probabilistic sampling and data were collected via face-to-face interviews. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol-5D, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Fagerström test for nicotine dependence and Brazilian economic classification criteria were used. RESULTS: A total of 826 participants were interviewed. The estimated prevalence of chronic spinal pain was 22% (95% confidence interval, CI: 19.3-25.0%). The factors independently associated with chronic spinal pain were: female sex, age 30 years or older, schooling level of four years or less, symptoms compatible with anxiety and high physical exertion during the main occupation. Quality of life and self-rated health scores were significantly worse among individuals with chronic spinal pain. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of chronic spinal pain in this segment of the population of São Paulo was 22.0%. The factors independently associated with chronic pain were: female sex, age 30 years or older, low education, symptoms compatible with anxiety and physical exertion during the main occupation.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A dor de coluna crônica, especialmente dor lombar e cervical, é uma causa importante de anos de vida com incapacidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de algias vertebrais crônicas em indivíduos com 15 ou mais anos de idade e identificar fatores associados. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal em uma amostra da população da cidade de São Paulo. MÉTODO: A seleção de participantes foi feita por amostragem probabilística aleatória e a colheita de dados, por entrevistas presenciais. Foram utilizadas a escala hospitalar de ansiedade e depressão (HADS), o EuroQol-5D, o teste de identificação de desordens devido ao uso de álcool (AUDIT), o teste de Fagerström para dependência de nicotina e o critério de classificação econômica Brasil. RESULTADOS: Um total de 826 participantes foi entrevistado. A prevalência de algias vertebrais crônicas foi estimada em 22% (intervalo de confiança, IC 95%: 19,3-25,0). Os fatores independentemente associados com algias vertebrais crônicas foram: sexo feminino, 30 ou mais anos de idade, quatro anos ou menos de escolaridade, sintomas compatíveis com ansiedade e esforço intenso físico durante a ocupação principal. Participantes com algias vertebrais crônicas apresentaram escores de qualidade de vida e autoavaliação de saúde significativamente piores. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de algias vertebrais crônicas em um segmento da população de São Paulo foi de 22%. Os fatores independentemente associados à dor crônica foram: sexo feminino, idade igual ou superior a 30 anos, baixa escolaridade, sintomas compatíveis com ansiedade e esforço físico durante a ocupação principal.

Dolor musculoesquelético y condiciones percibidas de trabajo en médicos y enfermeras de un hospital de Lima, Perú / Musculoskeletal Dolor y condiciones de trabajo en percibidas medical enfermeras y un hospital in Lima, Peru

Introducción: Los factores psicosociales y ergonómicos interactúan generando dolor musculoesquelético, frecuente en trabajadores de salud. Existen pocos estudios relacionando ambas condiciones, especialmente en médicos. Objetivo: Examinar la asociación entre factores psicosociales de estrés laboral (modelos demanda-control-apoyo (DC) y desequilibrio esfuerzo/recompensa (ERI)) y dolor musculoesquelético en médicos y enfermeras de un hospital público de Lima, Perú. Diseño: Estudio transversal con cuestionarios autorreportados anónimos: datos sociodemográficos, Cuestionario Nórdico (dolor musculoesquelético) y cuestionarios JCQ (Karasek) y ERI (Siegrist), en 54 médicos y 48 enfermeras del Hospital “San Juan Bautista” Huaral en el año 2013. Resultados: Los médicos varones presentaron un IMC medio de 28,45 y la media de horas trabajadas semanales fue de 66,86 (valores superiores a los de médicos mujeres y enfermeras). La prevalencia global de dolor musculoesquelético fue 93,1 por cento, más frecuente en cuello (72,5 por cento), hombros (46,1 por cento), muñecas y manos (44,1 por cento), dorso (52 por cento) y región lumbar (51 por cento). El dolor interfirió con las actividades en 53,9 por cento. Las enfermeras reportaron más regiones corporales afectadas por dolor (1,71 vs 0,98, p = 0,036). Hubo asociación entre dorsalgia y desequilibrio esfuerzo/recompensa (médicos: OR = 4,91, IC 95 por cento: 1,32-18,22; enfermeras: OR = 5,58 e IC 95 por cento: 1,09-28,45). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de dolor musculoesquelético, en especial cervical, dorsal y lumbar, es elevada, similar a otros reportes. Las dimensiones del modelo ERI se asociaron con dolor en cuello, hombros, dorsalgia y lumbago...

Background: Psychosocial and ergonomic factors interaction generates musculoskeletal pain, common in health care workers. There are few studies relating both conditions, especially in physicians. Objective: To evaluate the association between psychosocial factors of work stress (demand-control-support (DC) and effort-reward imbalance (ERI) models) and musculoskeletal pain on physicians and nurses from a public hospital at Lima, Peru. Design: Observational cross-sectional study employing anonymous questionnaires: socio-demographic data, Nordic Questionnaire (for musculoskeletal pain), and psychometric inventories for psychosocial factors: JCQ (Karasek) and ERI (Siegrist) on 54 physicians and 48 nurses from the Hospital San Juan Bautista Huaral at 2013. Results: Male physicians were overweight more frequently and worked more hours per week, without showing association with pain. Musculoskeletal pain prevalence was 93.1 per cent, with significant pain in 53.9 per cent of the cases. The most frequently affected sites were neck (72.5 per cent), shoulders (46.1 per cent), wrists and hands (44.1 per cent), upper back (52 per cent) and low back (51 per cent). Nurses reported more affected regions (1.71 vs. 0.98, p = 0.036). It was seen a significant association between upper back pain and the effort / reward coefficient (physicians: OR = 4.91, IC 95 per cent: 1.32-18.22; nurses: OR = 5.58, IC 95 per cent: 1.09-28.45). Conclusions: Reported prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, specially cervical, dorsal and lumbar is high and similar to other reports. The dimensions of the ERI model have shown a better association with neck pain, shoulder pain and upper/lower back pain presentation...

Introdução: Os fatores psicossociais e ergonômicos interagem gerando dor musculoesquelética, freqüente em trabalhadores de saúde. Existem poucos estudos que relacionam as duas condições, especialmente em médicos. Objetivo: Examinar a associação entre fatores psicossociais de estresse laboral (modelos demanda - controle - apoio (DC) e desequilíbrio esforço / recompensa (ERI)) e dor musculoesquelética em médicos e enfermeiras de um hospital público de Lima, Peru. Desenho: Estudo seccional com questionários auto-reportados anônimos: dados sócio-demográficos, Questionário Nórdico (dor musculoesquelética) e questionários JCQ (Karasek) e ERI (Siegrist), em 54 médicos e 48 enfermeiras do Hospital “San Juan Bautista” Huaral no ano 2013. Resultados: Os médicos varões apresentaram um IMC médio de 28,45 e a média de horas laboradas semanais foram 66,86 (valores superiores aos dos médicos mulheres e enfermeiras). A prevalência global da dor musculoesquelética foi 93,1 por cento, mais freqüente em pescoço (72,5 por cento), ombros (46,1 por cento), pulsos e mãos (44,1 por cento), coluna torácica (52 por cento) e coluna lombar (51 por cento). A dor atrapalhou as atividades em 53,9 por cento. As enfermeiras reportaram mais regiões corporais afetadas por dor (1,71 versus 0,98, p = 0,036). Houve associação entre dorsalgia e desequilíbrio esforço/recompensa (médicos: OR = 4,91, IC 95 por cento: 1,32-18,22; enfermeiras: OR = 5,58, IC 95 por cento: 1,09-28,45). Conclusões: A prevalência da dor musculoesquelética, especialmente cervical, dorsal e lombar é elevada, similar a outros reportes. As dimensões do modelo ERI se associaram com dor cervical, dor em ombros dorsalgia e dor lombar...

Physical and psychosocial risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian and Italian nurses / Fatores de risco físico e psicossocial para distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em enfermeiras brasileiras e italianas

As part of the international CUPID investigation, we compared physical and psychosocial risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in Brazil and Italy. Using questionnaires, we collected information on musculoskeletal disorders and potential risk factors from 751 nurses employed in public hospitals. By fitting countryspecific multiple logistic regression models, we investigated the association of stressful physical activities and psychosocial characteristics with site-specific and multisite pain, and associated sickness absence. We found no clear relationship between low back pain and occupational lifting, but neck and shoulder pain were more common among nurses who reported prolonged work with the arms in an elevated position. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, pain in the low back, neck and shoulder, multisite pain, and sickness absence were all associated with somatizing tendency in both countries. Our findings support a role of somatizing tendency in predisposition to musculoskeletal disorders, acting as an important mediator of the individual response to triggering exposures, such as workload.

Como parte da pesquisa internacional CUPID, comparamos os fatores de risco físico e psicossocial para distúrbios osteomusculares entre enfermeiras no Brasil e na Itália. Foram coletados dados com questionários sobre distúrbios osteomusculares e seus fatores de risco potenciais com 751 enfermeiros de hospitais públicos. Com modelos de regressão logística específicas para cada país, investigamos a associação entre atividades físicas estressantes e as características psicossociais, com dores em sítios específicos e múltiplos, assim como ausências motivadas por doença. Não encontramos clara relação entre dor lombar e levantamento de pesos, porém dores no pescoço e ombros foram as mais relatadas entre as enfermeiras que realizam trabalho prolongado, com braços elevados. As dores na lombar, pescoço, ombros e em múltiplos sítios foram associadas à tendência somatizante e à ausência por doença em ambos os países. Nossos achados reforçam o papel da tendência somatizante como fator predisponente para distúrbios osteomusculares, atuando como um importante mediador da resposta individual.

[ study of the physical status of emergency wards' personnel in hospitals affiliated to qazvin university of medical sciences through reba [rapid entire body assessment] method and its relation with muscular and skeletal disorders in Qazvin, Iran]

Since occupational hazards are prevalent in emergency wards' personnel due to occupational stresses and nonstandard work facilities and equipment, and any negligence as to these personnel may reduce the quality of nosocomial services, to improve the quality of the hygienic and therapeutic services provided by this ward, the physical status of emergency wards' personnel including physicians, nurses, workers and administrative personnel should be assessed as the first step. For this purpose, it was the goal of this project to assess the physical status of the personnel of the emergency wards of hospitals affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, in Qazvin, Iran, and discover the relation it had with muscular-skeletal disorders. This study was a descriptive-analytical one. The participants included all personnel of the emergency wards of Shahid Rajaei Hospital and Bouali Hospital and were selected from the four educational hospitals affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. The occupational-bodily status of the subjects was first assessed by Rapid Entire Body Assessment Method. To study the muscular-skeletal disorders, Nordic's Standard Questionnaire was used. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS/win 16 software, and statistical tests including Chi-Square and Coefficient Correlation Tests. In this study, the maximum amount of prevalent pain was found to be 51%, occupational accidents [6.7%] and the longest period of pain was found to exist in the waist area. In most cases, "pain in the neck" was the factor limiting the work activities, and it was also the reason for most cases of absenteeism and referring to physician during the last year. The body status score of most personnel was in the range of 4 to 7 according to REBA method. The risk proved to be at an average level and a corrective action in this regard seemed to be essential [71%]. Ultimately, the results revealed that no significant relation existed between REBA score of each member of the body and the pain felt in the same body part [P>0.05]. The total REBA scores of each individual proved to have a significant reverse relation with the education level, while it had a significant direct relation with stress intensity [P<0.05]. The research findings revealed that in 71% of work stations of the emergency wards in the above said hospitals, the need for taking corrective measures is essential, in 9% of these work stations, such corrective measure should be taken immediately and in 9%, these corrective measures are deemed very necessary. Thus, the current condition has led to the intensity of muscular-skeletal disorders, mostly in neck area

Prevalence of neck and back pain among dentists and dental auxillaries in South-western Nigeria

Dental health workers like other workers have occupation related health problems and hazards which include neck and low back pain. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence and location of pain may be influenced by posture and work habits and as well as demographic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neck and back problems among dentists and dental auxillaries in private and government dental hospitals in south western Nigeria. Structured self administered questionnaire was sent to dentist and dental auxillaries by randomly selecting 3 out of the 6 state capital from the southwestern Nigeria. Participants included those in private clinics; teaching hospitals and general hospitals. The questionnaire was composed of respondents biodata; questions about specific information on neck and back pain and routine practice posture while working at chairside. The total number of properly filled questionnaire was 210 with a male to female ratio of 1.04:1. Respondents included 147 dentists; 37 dental surgeon assistants (DSA); 14 dental therapists and 12 dental technologists. Prevalence of back and neck pain among the respondents was 88.1and 81.9respectively. Among the male respondents; the prevalence of back pain was 86.9and 89.3in female while for neck pain ; the prevalence was 83.2in male and 80.6in female. Within the different professional groups; the prevalence of back pain was highest among the DSA(89.2); closely followed by the dentists(88.4); then therapists(85.7) and least among the technologists(83.3). For neck pain; the prevalence was highest among therapists followed by technologists ; dentists and least among the DSA. More females missed work due to back and neck pain than males. There is therefore the need to address ergonomic issues and change the way dentistry is practiced

Work related complaints among dentists.

The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of neck pain, shoulder pain and back pain among dentists and to assess the risk factors affecting them. Sixty-eight dentists from Dharan and Biratnagar were interviewed using pretested questionnaires in January 2006. Back pain was the most common complaint affecting almost 80% of the study population, followed by neck pain (58.8%) and shoulder pain (47%). The frequency of shoulder pain among female dentists was nearly double that of males (P=0.009). The mean days of neck pain among males was significantly higher as compared to females (P=0.048). The study suggests that musculoskeletal complaints are common among dentists, though they are not of severe nature. There is a scope for further decreasing the prevalence and severity of these disorders by performing regular specific exercises.

Use of the Fonseca's questionnaire to assess the prevalence and severity of temporomandibular disorders in brazilian dental undergraduates

This study to assessed the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by means of the frequency distribution of data for 218 dentistry students from a Brazilian public university using the Fonseca's questionnaire. The group consisted of 96 men and 122 women, with an average age of 20 years. Of the students, 53.21 percent showed some level of TMD: 35.78 percent mild TMD 11.93 percent moderate and 5.5 percent severe. Women were the most affected group, with 63.11 percent showing some level of TMD, against 40.62 percent of men. When considering only severe TMD, women are approximately 9 times more affected than men. Students with any level of TMD showed marked characteristics: 76.72 percent considered themselves tense people; 71.55 percent reported to clench or grind their teeth; 65.52 percent reported clicking of the temporomandibular joint; 64.66 percent reported frequent headache and 61.21 percent neck pain. In conclusion, clinical signs and symptoms of TMD can occur in young population and this information is of great importance for the early diagnosis of the dysfunction.

Avaliou-se a prevalência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) através da distribuição da freqüência de dados obtidos em 218 estudantes de Odontologia da FORP-USP usando o questionário Fonseca. A amostra foi dividida em 96 homens e 122 mulheres (idade média=20 anos). 53,21 por cento apresentaram algum grau de DTM, sendo 35,78 por cento DTM leve, 11,93 por cento moderada e 5,5 por cento severa. As mulheres foram mais afetadas; 63,11 por cento apresentaram algum grau de DTM contra 40,62 por cento dos homens. Considerando somente DTM severa, as mulheres foram cerca de 9 vezes mais afetadas que os homens. Os estudantes com DTM em qualquer grau apresentaram características marcantes como: 76,72 por cento se consideram pessoas tensas; 71,55 por cento apertam ou rangem os dentes; 65,52 por cento têm ruídos na ATM; 64,66 por cento apresentam dor de cabeça com freqüência e 61,21 por cento dor na nuca ou torcicolo. Conclui-se que sinais e sintomas de DTM estão presentes em população jovem, sendo estes importantes para o diagnóstico precoce da disfunção.