Cervical Proprioception, Masticatory Pain Threshold and Craniovertebral Angle in TMD

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions involving the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and associated structures of the head, neck, and cervical region. TMD may cause pain in the ear region and over the masseter muscle, restricted mandibular movement, and clicking or crepitus sounds in the temporomandibular joint. It may also be accompanied by cervical dysfunction, limited range of motion, pain, and postural abnormalities. Due to the close anatomical and functional relationship between the cervical region and the TMJ, disorders affecting one region are likely to influence the other. Alterations in the TMJ may lead to changes in the cervical spine and consequently affect proprioception. Head posture can be evaluated using the craniovertebral angle. Increases or decreases in this angle may reflect changes in anterior head tilt. Cervical impairments associated with TMD may also result in alterations in the craniovertebral angle. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare cervical joint position sense, pressure pain threshold of the masticatory muscles, and craniovertebral angle values between individuals with TMD and healthy controls.