The relationship between forward head posture and temporomandibular disorders

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Physical Therapy
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) encompasses a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and muscles.
• Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural deviation with potential health implications.
• The relationship between FHP and TMD symptoms, particularly masticatory muscle pain, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between forward head posture and temporomandibular disorder symptoms.
• To compare head posture measurements in individuals with TMD and a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study comparing 33 TMD patients (with masticatory muscle pain) to an age- and gender-matched control group.
• Quantitative analysis of head posture using standardized photographic methods with plumb lines and horizontal planes.
• Measurement of specific distances and angles related to head and cervical spine alignment, including ear and seventh cervical vertebra positions.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference was found in the 'ear-seventh cervical vertebra-horizontal plane' angle.
• This angle was smaller in the TMD patient group, indicating a more forward head position.
• No other measured parameters showed significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Forward head posture, specifically a more anteriorly positioned head relative to the cervical spine, is associated with temporomandibular disorder symptoms.
• These findings suggest that postural assessment, particularly evaluating forward head posture, may be relevant in the clinical evaluation of TMD patients.
• Further research could explore the causal relationship and potential therapeutic interventions targeting postural correction in TMD management.