Pain,deep neck flexors performance,disability,and head posture in individuals with temporomandibular disorder with and without otological complaints

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Otological complaints (OC) are highly prevalent in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and so is the risk of neck dysfunctions.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate pain, deep neck flexor (DNF) performance, disability, and head and neck posture of individuals with TMD with and without OC.

METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, 57 individuals were divided into a group with TMD and OC ( $n=$ 31) and a group with TMD without OC ( $n=$ 26). Self-reported pain intensity, masticatory and neck muscles pressure pain thresholds, DNF performance, neck disability, and head and neck posture were evaluated. Data were compared between groups using the independent $t$ test and Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes were evaluated using Cohen’s index.

RESULTS:

The TMD with OC group presented less muscle activation [26 (24–28) vs. 24 (24–26) mmHg; $p<$ 0.05], less endurance [105 (46–140) vs. 44 (28–78) points; $p<$ 0.05], and greater neck disability (8.15 $\pm$ 5.89 vs. 13.32 $\pm$ 6.36 points; $p<$ 0.05). No significant difference was observed in self-reported pain, head and neck posture, or pressure pain thresholds.

CONCLUSION:

Individuals with TMD with OC presented decreased DNF performance and increased neck disability compared to individuals with TMD without OC.