Cervical spine range of motion, posture and electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD or TMJD) involve clinical problems and symptoms affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures. The temporomandibular joints are anatomically connected to the cervical region, where cervical spine movements occur simultaneously to masticatory muscle activation and jaw movements. Objective: Our study sought to assess the relationship between the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), surface electromyography (sEMG) of the masticatory muscles, posture and cervical flexibility in women with TMD. Method: Fifty women with an average age of 27.0 ± 6.37 years, diagnosed with TMD according to RDC/TMD, were assessed for craniocervical posture, cervical flexibility and sEMG of the masticatory muscles. Results: There were no differences in jaw function limitations, depression, pain level and its interference in work ability and daily activities, posture and sEMG between TMD diagnoses or between muscle classification (p > 0.05). Depression scores were higher among participants with biarticular dysfunction (p = 0.023). The group with bruxism exhibited a higher pain level at assessment (p = 0.001) and a greater reduction in work ability (p = 0.039). Subjects with muscular and mixed TMD showed less cervical rotation to the right when compared with those with articular TMD. Conclusion: There was no difference in posture or sEMG values for TMD diagnoses, joint and muscle dysfunctions and the presence of bruxism. Muscle dysfunction is associated with reduced cervical rotation to the right. Jaw function limitations did not interfere in posture or sEMG and depression was associated with pain.

Disorders of the statics of the body and the temporomandibular joint

“…Similar conclusions were drawn by other researchers who confirmed that the position of the head influences disorders in the masticatory system [22,24,25,35]. In opposition to the above studies, the results of independent observations carried out by teams of Sonnensen, Hackney, Visscher [34,36,37,78] were presented. They did not notice any significant correlation between head positioning and temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, while Weber believes that TMD is caused by the associated V pathway of the cranial nerve [38].…”

“…The research results clearly show that in patients with scoliosis above 10°who performed exercises based on the Pilates system for 8 weeks, the curvature was reduced and the range of TMJ motion increased [62]. Some researchers find no association between postural defects and disorders of the temporomandibular joints [63,64,78].…”

Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms Fed with Mobility-Related and Baropodometric Measurements to Identify Temporomandibular Disorders

“…Consequently, experiencing pain in the masticatory system might influence the mobility and strength of the upper neck through mechanisms of somatic referred pain [43]. In addition, the greater reduction in mobility observed for the rotation is confirmed in [44].…”

Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms Fed with Mobility-Related and Baropodometric Measurements to Identify Temporomandibular Disorders

“…Consequently, experiencing pain in the masticatory system might influence the mobility and strength of the upper neck through mechanisms of somatic referred pain [45]. In addition, the greater reduction in mobility observed for the rotation is confirmed in [46].…”