Asymptomatic cervical spine dysfunction (CSD) in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

Patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) frequently show symptoms related to the cervical spine. It is however unknown whether patients with TMD who have no symptoms in the neck region often have signs of cervical spine dysfunction (CSD) and whether there is a predominant localization of these asymptomatic CSDs. In a prospective and controlled examiner-blinded clinical trial, the prevalence and localization of asymptomatic CSD in patients with TMD was examined. Thirty patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint but without any neck problems were compared with 30 age and gender matched healthy controls. Significantly more asymptomatic dysfunctions of the vertebral joints and increased muscle tenderness were found in the patient group. The difference between patents and nonpatients for vertebral joint dysfunction and muscle tenderness was greatest in the upper cervical spine. These findings support the thesis that a complementary examination of this area should be performed, even when TMD patents do not report any neck problems.