Effect of temporomandibular release and myofascial release techniques on quality of life, depression, and headache in ındividuals with tension-type headache

Abstract

Purpose: Tension-type headache (TTH) is commonly observed in the community. The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of Temporomandibular Joint Soft Tissue Techniques (TMD-STT) and Myofascial Release (MFR) techniques in individuals with TTH. Methods: Seventy-three voluntary individuals between the ages of 18-65 diagnosed with TTH according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) were included. Participants were divided into three groups based on randomization: Group 1; TMD-STT, Group 2; MFR Group, and Group 3; Control Group. Headache was assessed using the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6); TMJ with the Fonseca Scale; Temporomandibular Range of Motion with a goniometer; quality of life with the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale; depression with the Beck Depression Scale (BDS); and anxiety with the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS). Evaluations were conducted before treatment and at the end of 4 weeks. Group 1 received TMD-STT (soft tissue mobilization to anterior caudal glide, masseter, and medial pterygoid muscles) and Myofascial Release technique to temporal and suboccipital muscles. In addition to the applications in Group 1, Group 2 received deep posterior cervical fascia relaxation techniques for Trapezius, Rhomboid, Levator Scapula, and Sternocleidomastoid muscles. Results: Significant improvement in FONSECA and HIT-6 total scores was observed in both TMD-STT and MFR groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: TMD soft tissue techniques were found to be as effective as myofascial techniques in the treatment of TTH.