Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Functional Analysis of Bite Force and Masseter and Temporal Muscles Thickness

Abstract

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a pathological condition associated with the intervertebral disc and is related to functional alterations in the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the maximum molar bite force and masseter and temporal muscles thickness in individuals with intervertebral disc degeneration. Thirty-two individuals were divided into two groups: those with degeneration of intervertebral discs (n=16) and those without degeneration (n=16). The maximum molar bite force (on the right and left sides) was measured using a dynamometer. Masseter and temporal muscle thickness during mandibular task rest and dental clenching in maximum voluntary contraction were analysed using ultrasound. Significant differences in the left molar bite force (p=0.04) were observed between the groups (Student’s t-test, p<0.05). The intervertebral disc degeneration group had a lower maximum molar bite force. No significant differences in muscle thickness were observed between the masseter and temporal muscles in either group. However, based on clinical observations, the group with intervertebral disc degeneration presented less masseter muscle thickness and greater temporal muscle thickness in both mandibular tasks. Degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs promoted morphofunctional changes in the stomatognathic system, especially in maximum molar bite force and masticatory muscle thickness. This study provides insight into the interaction between spinal pathology and the stomatognathic system, which is important for healthcare professionals who treat patients with functional degeneration.

Efeito da doença degenerativa dos discos intervertebrais na função do sistema estomatognático de indivíduos adultos

“…O sistema mastigatório é um mecanismo coordenado, adaptável a situações ambientais e os níveis aumentados de IL sem regulação adequada durante o processo degenerativo de estruturas anatômicas, por exemplo, podem comprometer a musculatura estriada esquelética em virtude do catabolismo que desencadeia hipofunção muscular (BELIZÁRIO et al, 2016;BETTIOL et al, 2022). Este fato poderia explicar a redução da atividade eletromiográfica normalizada dos músculos masseteres e temporais no grupo com degeneração dos discos intervertebrais durante a tarefa de repouso mandibular.…”

“…O impacto da degeneração dos discos intervertebrais pode promover modificações funcionais no sistema estomatognático, principalmente quando se avalia a força de mordida molar máxima e espessura dos músculos masseteres e temporais, demonstrando a relação entre doença crônica da coluna vertebral e sistema estomatognático (BETTIOL et al, 2022).…”