Correlation Between Craniovertebral Angle and Temporomandibular Disorders

Correlation Between Craniovertebral Angle and Temporomandibular Disorders

The purpose of study was investigate the correlation between craniovertebral angle and Temporomandibular disorders.

Individuals with forward head posture (FHP) were three times more likely to develop temporomandibular disorder (TMD) compared to those with normal posture. It was discovered that improper head and cervical position was present in almost 70% of TMD participants. Participants with TMD were especially likely to have a forward-leaning head posture. Recommended postural testing as part of TMD evaluation, implying that postural disorders may cause or worsen TMD symptoms FHP is characterized as the cervical spine held in a protracted position for a prolonged duration; it can lead to alterations in head posture, ultimately leading to poor posture, which is thought to be a deviation from neutral or normal posture.

There is evidence from certain studies that people with TMDs have altered head and cervical spine posture, while no such link is found in other investigations. The skull, mandible, and cervical spine exhibit neurological and biomechanical connections, generating a functional complex that may be referred to as the "Cranio Cervical Mandibular system," which is related to the cervical area via muscles and ligaments.

TMD symptoms and cervical dysfunction are strongly correlated, supporting combined evaluation, and this will significantly aid in the treatment of participants with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and forward head posture.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female with body mass index (18.5-29.9 kg/m2).
• Chronic temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms persisting for at least 3 months, with a cut-off point score of the Fonseca's Anamnestic Index of 20 points or more
• Craniovertebral angle (CVA) of less than 50°.
• Participants must exhibit measurable FHP, defined as a craniovertebral angle (CVA) <50°, assessed using Kinovea software.
• Participant has mouth opening less than 40mm.
• Participants haven't received any physiotherapy sessions on cervical or temporomandibular joint in last 6 weeks, nor have taken any non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the last two weeks preceding the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The subjects were excluded if they were unable to fulfil the inclusion criteria and if they had a history of any of the following:
• History of acute head, neck, or Temporomandibular joint trauma or any surgical intervention in these regions within the past 6 months.
• Congenital temporomandibular joint abnormalities.
• Participants with congenital deformities of the head and the neck.
• Participants with systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Participants received physical therapy or other conservative treatments for neck pain, temporomandibular disorders, or postural correction within the past 3 months.
• Major psychiatric disorders.