Jaw Dysfunction Is Associated with Neck Disability and Muscle Tenderness in Subjects with and without Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

Purpose. Tender points in the neck are common in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, the correlation among neck disability, jaw dysfunction, and muscle tenderness in subjects with TMD still needs further investigation. This study investigated the correlation among neck disability, jaw dysfunction, and muscle tenderness in subjects with and without chronic TMD. Participants. Forty females between 19 and 49 years old were included in this study. There were 20 healthy controls and 20 subjects who had chronic TMD and neck disability. Methods. Subjects completed the neck disability index and the limitations of daily functions in TMD questionnaires. Tenderness of the masticatory and cervical muscles was measured using an algometer. Results. The correlation between jaw disability and neck disability was significantly high (r = 0.915, P < 0.05). The correlation between level of muscle tenderness in the masticatory and cervical muscles with jaw dysfunction and neck disability showed fair to moderate correlations (r = 0.32–0.65). Conclusion. High levels of muscle tenderness in upper trapezius and temporalis muscles correlated with high levels of jaw and neck dysfunction. Moreover, high levels of neck disability correlated with high levels of jaw disability. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the neck and its structures when evaluating and treating patients with TMD.

Evidence for Central Sensitization in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies

“…Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a very broad term that includes a variety of clinical issues related to the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and their associated structures . For TMD patients the main concern is pain, and it is the most common reason for medical consultation; but pain is also a great challenge for clinicians .…”

Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders: disability, pain intensity and fear of movement

“…Similarly, craniomandibular and neck disability have been associated with painful chronic TMD [15]. On th other hand, pain intensity and fear of jaw movements play an important role in the decision to seek care for orofacial pain and concretely, women with more fear of jaw movements were more likely to seek care [16].…”

Does altered mandibular position and dental occlusion influence upper cervical movement: A cross–sectional study in asymptomatic people

“…These signs include significant changes of pressure-pain thresholds in the territory of the trigeminal nerve (La Touche et al, 2010), a greater number of trigger points in the masticatory muscles, and reduced jaw opening in comparison to healthy controls (De-la-Llave-Ricon et al, 2012). Additionally, there is also evidence of significantly greater neck disability, cervical muscles tenderness, neck pain, and upper cervical movement impairment in patients suffering from TMD (Bevilaqua-Grossi, 2007;Armijo-Olivo et al, 2010;Weber et al, 2012;Grondin, Hall, Laurentjoye and Ella, 2015;Silveira et al, 2015).…”