The influence of cervical spine rehabilitation on bioelectrical activity (sEMG) of cervical and masticatory system muscles

Abstract

Background Coexistence of temporomandibular joint discomfort along with cervical spine disorders is quite common, and is associated with many limitations and adverse symptoms for the patient. Both diagnostics and treatment of these ailments are difficult, and in many cases, the effects of therapy are not satisfactory. This study assessed the impact of a 3-week neck-only rehabilitation programme without direct intervention in the craniofacial area on the bioelectric activity of both the cervical spine and muscles in the craniofacial area among patients with idiopathic neck pain who do not report TMJ pain. Design A parallel group trial with follow-up; Setting: Rehabilitation Clinic. Methods Twenty five patients experiencing idiopathic neck pain underwent the 3-week rehabilitation programme. Thirty five age-matched subjects with no cervical spine and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions were control group. At baseline and after 3 weeks the cervical and craniofacial area muscles’ bioelectrical activity (sEMG) was evaluated. Results In the experimental group during cervical flexion, a significant decrease of sEMG amplitude was noted in the right (mean 25.1 μV; 95% CI: 21.5–28.6 vs mean 16.8 μV; 95% CI: 13.8–19.7) and left (mean 25.9 μV; 95% CI: 21.7–30.0 vs mean 17.2 μV; 95% CI: 13.6–20.7) Sternocleidomastoid as well as a significant increase in sEMG amplitude of the right (mean 11.1 μV; 95% CI: 7.9–14.2 vs mean 15.7 μV; 95% CI: 12.1–19.2) and left (mean 15.3 μV; 95% CI: 11.9–18.6 vs mean 20.2 μV; 95% CI: 15.7–24.2) Upper Trapezius muscles. In the experimental group, after therapy right and left Sternocleidomastoid, Temporalis Anterior and Masseter muscles presented lower fatigue levels. Conclusions Three weeks of rehabilitation without any therapeutic intervention in temporomandibular joint significantly decreased the bioelectrical activity of the neck and craniofacial muscles while improving the muscle pattern of coactivation in participants with idiopathic neck pain who do not report temporomandibular joint pain. These observations could be helpful in the physiotherapeutic treatment of neck and craniofacial area dysfunctions. Trial registration ID ISRCTN14511735—retrospectively registered.

Surface Electromyography in Dentistry—Past, Present and Future

“…In addition to what has already been described in the introduction, i.e., the use of sEMG for assessing muscle activity during physiological and parafunctional activities [ 6 ], it is also used in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle function and treatment of the TMDs [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Studies on the influence of psychological [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ] and physical state on changes in the bioelectrical activity of the masticatory muscles appear on the sEMG [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…In the field of dentistry, sEMG has become a valuable tool for assessing muscle bioelectrical activity during physiological and parafunctional activities [ 6 ], it is also used in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle function and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Studies on the influence of psychological [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ] and physical state on changes in the bioelectrical activity of the masticatory muscles appear on sEMG [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The usefulness of sEMG has also been demonstrated in orthodontics, primarily in the monitoring of therapy.…”

The straight and narrow of posture: Current clinical concepts

“…17 Neck and head posture can influence jaw function and may be relevant in patients with temperomandibular pain. 18 Thoracic and scapular posture can influence respiratory mechanics and rotator cuff function. 19,20 A detailed clinical history may be important for identifying specific aggravating and easing positions.…”

Influência da degeneração dos discos intervertebrais na força de mordida e espessura dos músculos mastigatórios

“…When degenerative processes affect spinal structures, they can cause instability and consequently affect the stomatognathic system (33). The inappropriate position of the head, for example, due to degenerative diseases of the spine modifies the craniocervical and craniomandibular biomechanical relationships, which can compromise the position of the mandible, modifying, for example, the occlusion with a direct impact on muscle strength (34).…”

“…Quando processos degenerativos acometem estruturas da coluna vertebral podem causar instabilidade e consequentemente acometer funcionalmente o sistema estomatognático (KIELNAR et al, 2021). A posição inapropriada da cabeça, por exemplo, em decorrência das doenças degenerativas da coluna vertebral modifica as relações biomecânicas craniocervicais e craniomandibulares que compromete a posição da mandíbula, modificando, por exemplo, a oclusão com reflexo direto na força muscular (AZIMI et al, 2021;WANG et al, 2017).…”