Cervical spine dysfunction signs and symptoms in individuals with temporomandibular disorder

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study the frequency of cervical spine dysfunction (CCD) signs and symptoms in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and to assess the craniocervical posture influence on TMD and CCD coexistence. METHODS: Participants were 71 women (19 to 35 years), assessed about TMD presence; 34 constituted the TMD group (G1) and 37 comprised the group without TMD (G2). The CCD was evaluated through the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index and the Cervical Mobility Index. Subjects were also questioned about cervical pain. Craniocervical posture was assessed by cephalometric analysis. RESULTS: There was no difference in the craniocervical posture between groups. G2 presented more mild CCD frequency and less moderate and severe CCD frequency (p=0.01). G1 presented higher percentage of pain during movements (p=0.03) and pain during cervical muscles palpation (p=0.01) compared to G2. Most of the TMD patients (88.24%) related cervical pain with significant difference when compared to G2 (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: Craniocervical posture assessment showed no difference between groups, suggesting that postural alterations could be more related to the CCD. Presence of TMD resulted in higher frequency of cervical pain symptom. Thus the coexistence of CCD and TMD signs and symptoms appear to be more related to the common innervations of the trigeminocervical complex and hyperalgesia of the TMD patients than to craniocervical posture deviations.

Influence of craniomandibular and cervical pain on the activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder

“…These factors were not controlled and seem to be the main limitation of this study. Other studies have found a higher prevalence of cervical pain in patients with TMD with moderate or severe intensity (19) . In contrast, in the absence of association between TMD and the presence of cervical pain, it was observed that the majority (70.6%) of individuals who had cervical pain also presented TMD.…”

Somatic Tinnitus

“…However, after treating the TMJ disorder, a reduction in modulation following somatic maneuvers in the NECK region was found. This could be explained by the possible effect of the TMJ disorder on the NECK ascending pathways, resulting in a modulation in this region as well [91][92][93][94] . This suggests to carefully evaluate the somatic component, especially when a notable history of TMJ dysfunction is suspected and no other significant risk factors are present.…”

Cortisol, testosterone, and pain levels among patients undergoing McKenzie therapy and suboccipital relaxation

“…The development of utility electronics, sedentary mode of life and locomotion, coupled with a lack of health awareness are the key factors contributing to vertebral dysfunctions [3]. Nowadays, CSD is regarded as a common disease and includes a group of symptoms with pain, limited mobility, and tenderness [4]. Furthermore, the early symptoms are often ignored or masked by the use of easily available over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics [5].…”