Pain, deep neck flexors performance, disability, and head posture in individuals with temporomandibular disorder with and without otological complaints

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Otological complaints (OC) are highly prevalent in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and so is the risk of neck dysfunctions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pain, deep neck flexor (DNF) performance, disability, and head and neck posture of individuals with TMD with and without OC. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 57 individuals were divided into a group with TMD and OC (n= 31) and a group with TMD without OC (n= 26). Self-reported pain intensity, masticatory and neck muscles pressure pain thresholds, DNF performance, neck disability, and head and neck posture were evaluated. Data were compared between groups using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes were evaluated using Cohen’s index. RESULTS: The TMD with OC group presented less muscle activation [26 (24–28) vs. 24 (24–26) mmHg; p< 0.05], less endurance [105 (46–140) vs. 44 (28–78) points; p< 0.05], and greater neck disability (8.15 ± 5.89 vs. 13.32 ± 6.36 points; p< 0.05). No significant difference was observed in self-reported pain, head and neck posture, or pressure pain thresholds. CONCLUSION: Individuals with TMD with OC presented decreased DNF performance and increased neck disability compared to individuals with TMD without OC.

Quality of life and level of physical activity of individuals with temporomandibular disorders with and without otological symptoms: Secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study

“…Because of the high prevalence of OS in individuals with TMD, the primary study aimed to investigate if jaw and neck symptoms (e.g., pain, disability, muscle performance, and posture) were more intensified in individuals with TMD with OS compared with those without OS (Tavares et al, 2023). The findings of the primary study showed a decreased muscle performance and increased neck disability in individuals with TMD and OS compared with those without OS.…”

“…This is a cross‐sectional study and secondary analysis of a study conducted from April to November 2019 and developed jointly between the departments of physical therapy, dentistry, and surgery at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (Natal, Brazil). Because of the high prevalence of OS in individuals with TMD, the primary study aimed to investigate if jaw and neck symptoms (e.g., pain, disability, muscle performance, and posture) were more intensified in individuals with TMD with OS compared with those without OS (Tavares et al., 2023). The findings of the primary study showed a decreased muscle performance and increased neck disability in individuals with TMD and OS compared with those without OS.…”

“…Current evidence reports that individuals with TMD and OS have more neck disability and decreased deep neck muscles endurance when compared to individuals without OS (Tavares et al, 2023).…”

“…Current evidence reports that individuals with TMD and OS have more neck disability and decreased deep neck muscles endurance when compared to individuals without OS (Tavares et al., 2023). However, no studies have evaluated whether individuals with TMD and OS present lower QoL and worse levels of physical activity.…”