The Effectiveness of Temporomandibular Joint Mobilization and Exercise in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Temporomandibular Joint Mobilization and Exercise on Posture, Endurance and Functionality in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

To examine the effects of temporomandibular joint mobilization and exercises added to the conventional physiotherapy program on posture, functionality and muscular endurance in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Our research is a randomized controlled trial. 50 participants will be included in the study, which will be conducted on individuals aged 18-65 years with chronic neck pain. Participants will be divided into 2 groups as experimental and control groups by simple randomization method. All patients will be treated with conventional physiotherapy methods for 4 weeks and 5 days a week. In addition to conventional treatment, temporomandibular joint mobilization techniques were applied to the experimental group; exercises will be given. In the study, temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) Pain Screener, Neck Disability Index, and Visual Analog Scale questionnaires will be applied to the patients twice, before and after the treatment. Before and after the treatment, the cervical region's range of motion and muscular endurance will be measured by the physiotherapist. Pre- and post-intervention data were statistically analyzed and compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between the ages of 18-65,
• Having neck pain lasting longer than 3 months,
• Absence of known systemic disease or trauma history,
• Volunteering to participate in the research.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a history of trauma in the areas that are the subject of the study, such as head and neck surgery, upper extremity, thoracic and cervical vertebrae,
• Disc displacement, osteoarthrosis, osteoarthritis signs and symptoms
• Having a neurological-psychiatric diagnosis that may affect the measurement results.