Abstract
Abstract
Background
Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between headaches and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Moreover, recent studies have shown functional, anatomical, and neurological associations between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and upper cervical spine. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of manual therapy and cervical spine stretching exercises for pain and disability in patients with myofascial TMDs accompanied by headaches.
Methods
Thirty-four patients recruited from Gyeryong Hospital with headaches and diagnosed with TMDs were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. Headache impact was assessed using the Korean Headache Impact Test-6. Masseter myofascial pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and TMJ pressure pain threshold levels were evaluated using an algometer. Neck pain intensity was assessed using the numerical rating scale. Once per week for 10 weeks, the experimental group received cervical spine-focused manual therapy and stretching exercises alongside conservative physical therapy, and the control group received conservative physical therapy alone. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 5 and 10 weeks post-intervention.
Results
After the intervention, the experimental group exhibited significant reductions in the cervical kyphotic angle, Korean Headache Impact Assessment score, neck pain intensity, TMJ pain pressure threshold, Neck Disability Index score, and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale level compared with the control group (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Manual therapy and stretching exercises could help resolve TMDs accompanied by headaches through biomechanical changes in the cervical spine. These findings may guide protocols and clinical trials involving manual therapy that align morphological structures.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Rehabilitation,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Cited by
2 articles.
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