Cervicogenic Headache, Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome
Conditions
Keywords
Temporomandibular Joint, Temporomandibular Disorders, Upper Cervical Spine, Cervical Mobility
Brief summary
Upper cervical spine mobility plays a crucial role in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. This observational study investigates the relationship between upper cervical spine mobility and TMJ range of motion in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Cervical hypomobility may restrict mandibular movement and contribute to TMJ dysfunction through shared biomechanical and neuromuscular mechanisms.
Detailed description
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are multifactorial conditions involving the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, or both. Prior research indicates a strong association between TMD and cervical spine dysfunction, with patients frequently exhibiting neck pain, reduced cervical motion, and muscular tenderness. This study explores how upper cervical mobility (flexion, extension, and rotation) correlates with TMJ range of motion (mouth opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion). The aim is to identify whether cervical spine hypomobility contributes to restricted jaw movement in TMD patients. A total of 50 participants with TMD will undergo standardized clinical measurements of cervical mobility using a CROM device and TMJ motion using a ruler or caliper. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients will be applied to evaluate the association between cervical and TMJ movement parameters.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Deraya University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Medically stable individuals who consent to participate in the study. * Age between 18 and 50 years. * Both male and female participants. * Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction for at least three months.
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of systemic diseases. * Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m². * Pregnancy. * Recent physical therapy for cervical spine disorders, headaches, or temporomandibular dysfunction. * Cervical radiculopathy or other neurological disorders. * History of trauma or major psychological problems. * Generalized joint hypermobility. * Down syndrome.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Cervical Spine Mobility | Single assessment session (baseline only) | Upper cervical spine mobility (flexion, extension, and left and right rotation) will be measured in degrees using a CROM device. Participants will be seated in an upright position, and each movement will be measured twice following standardized procedures. The mean value of both readings will be used for analysis. |
| Temporomandibular Joint Range of Motion (TMJ ROM) | Single assessment session (baseline only) | TMJ range of motion will be measured in millimetres using a standard ruler or digital calliper. Measurements include maximum mouth opening, lateral excursion (left and right), and protrusion. Each measurement will be taken twice, and the average will be recorded in millimetres to ensure reliability. |
| Correlation Between Upper Cervical Mobility and TMJ Range of Motion | Single assessment session (baseline only) | The relationship between upper cervical spine mobility (measured in degrees using the CROM device) and TMJ range of motion (measured in millimetres using a ruler or calliper) will be analysed statistically. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients will be applied, depending on data normality, to determine the strength and direction of association. |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed