Overlapping Pelvic and Temporomandibular Pain: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Psychosocial and Sensitization Mechanisms

Chronic pain is a major public health concern due to its high prevalence and its significant impact on quality of life, daily functioning, and overall well-being. Among chronic pain types, nociplastic pain is characterized by persistent pain in the absence of clear tissue damage and is associated with alterations in central pain processing, including central sensitization and dysfunction of the central nervous system. These alterations may manifest as widespread pain sensitivity, autonomic dysregulation, and changes in sensory integration, contributing to long-lasting and diffuse pain experiences.

Individuals with chronic pain frequently report pain in more than one body region, a phenomenon known as Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions (COPC). The presence of overlapping pain conditions suggests shared underlying mechanisms, such as central sensitization and common psychosocial modulators, which may explain the co-occurrence of different chronic pain syndromes. In this context, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and pelvic pain are of particular interest, as emerging evidence indicates a possible association between these conditions.

Given the existing evidence linking chronic pain conditions across different body regions, further investigation into the co-occurrence of TMJ dysfunction and pelvic pain is warranted. This observational, cross-sectional study aims to characterize the association between these two pain conditions in an adult population and to explore demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and pain-related factors that may help explain their relationship. By improving understanding of shared pain mechanisms, this research seeks to inform future clinical approaches that are more comprehensive and integrative.

Data will be collected at a single time point using standardized, self-administered questionnaires, in accordance with the STROBE guidelines for observational research. Demographic variables will include age, sex, and-among female participants-reproductive and hormonal history (pregnancy, childbirth, episiotomy, cesarean section, and menopausal status). Additional variables will include marital status, current medication use, height, weight, smoking status, physical activity levels, and the duration of orofacial and/or pelvic pain symptoms. Socioeconomic factors such as educational level, classified according to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), and monthly household income, categorized into national income deciles, will also be recorded.

The co-occurrence of chronic pain conditions will be assessed using the Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions Screener (COPC-S). Pain intensity will be measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), while fear of movement related to orofacial pain will be evaluated using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia adapted for temporomandibular disorders (TSK-TMD). The presence of central sensitization symptoms will be assessed with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Psychosocial influences on pain will be examined through measures of health-related quality of life (Short Form-12), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), and anxiety (short form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI-6).

By systematically examining the overlap between temporomandibular and pelvic pain and their associated biopsychosocial factors, this study aims to provide preliminary evidence on shared mechanisms of chronic pain. The findings may support the development of more holistic assessment strategies and integrated clinical interventions for individuals experiencing chronic overlapping pain conditions.