Role of upper cervical spine in temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are prevalent multifactorial pathologies in which the actual role of the cervical region position is controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the relationship between the position of the upper cervical rachis and the symptoms of TMD.

METHODS:

Sixty women were recruited to this study. All of them completed a questionnaire and were subjected to a temporomadibular exploration to create two different groups: a TMD Group ( $n=$ 30) – women who suffered TMD symptoms according to the evaluation; and a control group ( $n=$ 30) – women who were free from TMD symptoms. Two X-ray examinations were performed in all the women: a lateral one and a frontal one with mouth open to assess the C1–C0 distance and the craniocervical angle.

RESULTS:

ANOVA showed that the TMD and control women had similar C1–C0 distances and craniocervical angles ( $p>$ 0.05). Pearson correlation did not indicate any relationship between the craniocervical position and the symptomatology of TMD ( $r=-$ 0.070).

CONCLUSIONS:

TMD symptomatology is unrelated to alterations in craniocervical position (C0–C1 distance and craniocervical angle). Women with and without TMD showed a similar prevalence of alteration in the craniocervical position.