Association Between Periodontal Disease and Chronic Neck Pain

Evaluation of the Association Between Periodontal Diseases and Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain and Functional Disability: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study investigates whether there is an association between periodontal disease (gum disease) and chronic neck pain and related functional disability. Participants aged 30-55 years will be grouped based on their periodontal health status (healthy, gingivitis, or periodontitis). Neck pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional disability will be measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The study aims to determine whether periodontal disease severity is linked to the severity of neck pain and disability, which may help clarify a potential connection between oral health and musculoskeletal health.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the tissues supporting the teeth, and has been increasingly linked to systemic inflammatory processes that may contribute to musculoskeletal pain conditions. Chronic non-specific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint with a multifactorial etiology, and inflammatory mechanisms have been proposed as one potential contributing pathway.

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the association between periodontal disease status and chronic non-specific neck pain and related functional disability. Participants will undergo a periodontal examination, including assessment of gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and radiographic bone loss, and will be classified into periodontal health categories according to the 2017 World Workshop classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions.

Neck pain intensity and functional disability will be assessed using validated outcome measures. Associations between periodontal disease severity and neck pain/disability outcomes will be examined, along with potential confounding factors.

Findings from this study may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between oral health and musculoskeletal health, and may inform future interdisciplinary approaches to patient assessment and care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 30 and 55 years
• Willing to participate and provide written informed consent
• Able to undergo periodontal examination and complete self-report questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neck pain attributable to a specific identifiable cause (e.g., trauma, cervical disc herniation, spinal deformity, tumor, fracture)
• Systemic inflammatory or autoimmune disease
• Neurological disease affecting the cervical region
• Pregnancy
• Regular use of analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication
• Fewer than 20 remaining natural teeth
• History of periodontal treatment within the past 6 months