The relationship between range of motion of the temporomandibular joint and upper cervical spine in patients with cervical pain
Date
2021
Authors
Weinberg, Micaela
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Abstract
Background
An anatomical, biomechanical and neurophysiological relationship between the
temporomandibular joint and upper cervical spine exists but an improvement in the
treatment approaches of cervical pain is needed. The aim of the study was to
determine if there is a relationship between the range of motion of the upper cervical
spine and the range of motion of the temporomandibular joint in participants with
neck pain.
Method
This observational study included 25 participants with neck pain and 25 with no pain.
The group with neck pain completed the Numerical Rating Scale and the Neck
Disability Index. The range of motion of upper cervical flexion and extension were
analysed using Kinovea and the range of motion of mouth opening was determined
using a ruler. Results were analysed using independent t tests and correlation
coefficients.
Results
Non-significant relationships were found between the range of motion of the
temporomandibular joint and range of motion of upper cervical flexion (r = 0.27) and
upper cervical extension (r = -0.026) as well as between the intensity of cervical pain
and the range of motion of the temporomandibular joint r (50) = 0.084 and between
functional limitations of cervical pain and range of motion of the temporomandibular
joint r (50) = 0.064. A significant relationship between neck pain intensity and
functional limitations due to cervical pain r (50) = 0.88, p <.000 was found.
Conclusion
There is a significant relationship between neck pain intensity and disability in
participants with neck pain and no significant relationship between the range of
motion of upper cervical flexion and extension and mouth opening. Therefore, the
inclusion of an assessment of the ROM of the TMJ in patients with cervical pain is
not necessarily indicated
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Physiotherapy to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiotherapy, University of the Witwatersrand, 2021