Association of Jaw Dysfunction With Neck Disability in Subjects With Chronic Cervical Spine Disorders

Association of Jaw Dysfunction With Neck Disability in Subjects With Chronic Cervical Spine Disorders: An Observational Study

Since TMJ and cervical pain incidence are rising and both structures are highly interrelated anatomically and functionally. And yet no standard protocol for TMD therapy The objective of this study is to state if there is a correlation between TMD and cervical dysfunction. To help reach a better diagnosis and a more holistic treatment. Forty volunteers (15 male and 25 female) between the ages of 20 to 40 were recruited. Cervical ROM was measured in all directions (rotation, flexion and extension, and sidebending) by CROM device, and a 10 cm plastic ruler marked in both centimeters and millimeters was used to measure TMJ vertical opening.

Background: The incidence of temporomandibular dysfunction has been rapidly increasing in the past years especially among women and still no definite treatment protocol and that's due to the inter lapping of anatomy and neurology of this joint with other structures all over the body. The cervical spine dysfunction has a high incidence as well, and they are common to coexist as they are highly interrelated. Objective: The objective of this study is to emphasize the interrelation between cervical dysfunction and TMJ dysfunction by examining the relationship between cervical spine ROM and TMJ vertical opening ROM to provide better recognition of the etiology of TMJ dysfunction thus a holistic intervention. Materials and methods: It is a bivariate correlational research design. Forty subjects between the age of 20 -40 years (15male/ 25females) were recruited. Cervical ROM was measured by CROM device for all 6 cervical movements. The TMJ vertical mouth opening was measured by a 10 cm ruler. The CROM will be used consistent with standard clinical procedures, with 3 takes for each measurement to decrease human error. The measurements were taken one shot.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Between the ages of 20 and 40

2. Female and Male

3. Suffering from a reduced cervical ROM

4. No reported TMJ pain

   Exclusion Criteria:

   • 1) Tumor (anywhere in the body)

5. Recent trauma to the neck, torso or upper limb

6. Active inflammation in the cervical region, upper thoraxic spine and chest or upper limb

7. Recent use of orthodontics prostheses