Function of temporomandibular joint in patients with mechanical cervical pain and matched controls: An observational analytical study

The connection between body parts creates a sense of wholeness. The entire rib cage and the cranio-maxillofacial complex share a same membrane origin. Earlier the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was not considered as a load bearing joint therefore, the function of this joint was not considered as important. However, the dysfunction of this joint results in pain and limitations of some of the most vital activities of daily living such as communication and food consumption. Several studies reported the possible involvement of cervical spine in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. However, the evidence examining the reverse that is, involvement of TMJ in mechanical cervical pain is limited. Research suggests that forward posture may lead to neck pain and decreased cervical spine extension. With increased screen usage and prolonged use of altered spinal postures at work and in educational facilities, the prevalence of neck pain is increasing. Therefore, it becomes important to study the difference in TMJ function between patients with neck pain and individuals without neck pain. There is contradictory evidence which establish the correlation between head posture and TMD. Hence, the study titled “Comparison of temporomandibular joint function in patients with neck pain and matched controls” is designed. 15 participants having chronic mechanical neck pain and 15 matched controls will be included in the study. Participants will be recruited by purposive sampling method and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants will be assessed using Helkimo clinical dysfunction index and cranio-vertebral angle. Descriptive analysis of the data will be performed by comparing mean values of Helkimo Index between individuals with neck pain and those without neck pain using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests depending on data normality. The study will also analyze the odds of finding altered temporo-mandibular joint function in those exposed to neck pain.