Relationship between specific temporomandibular disorders and impaired upper neck performance

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy
• Pain Management

Background:

• Upper neck impairments are frequently observed in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
• However, the specific patterns of these impairments across different TMD subtypes remain incompletely understood.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the prevalence and characteristics of upper neck impairments among distinct types of temporomandibular disorders.
• To differentiate neck mobility and muscle function between pain-related, intra-articular, and mixed TMD groups.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 116 participants, including 74 with TMDs and 42 controls, was assessed.
• TMD participants were categorized using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) into pain-related, intra-articular, or mixed groups.
• Evaluations included active/passive upper neck mobility (cervical flexion-rotation test) and deep neck flexor muscle function (cranio-cervical flexion test), alongside subjective neck disability and pain sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Patients with pain-related and mixed TMDs exhibited significantly reduced upper neck mobility in the cervical flexion-rotation test compared to intra-articular TMD and control groups.
• The pain-related and mixed TMD groups also demonstrated poorer deep neck flexor muscle function in the cranio-cervical flexion test relative to the control group.
• No significant differences in these parameters were noted between the intra-articular TMD group and the control group.

Conclusions:

• Pain-related temporomandibular disorder diagnoses are strongly associated with significant upper neck hypomobility.
• Individuals with pain-related TMDs are more likely to present with diminished deep neck flexor muscular capabilities.
• These findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing upper neck function in patients diagnosed with pain-related TMDs.