Relationship Between Upper Cervical Mobility and Temporomandibular Joint Range of Motion in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, Cervicogenic Headache. Basic parameters: 18 years — 50 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Egypt
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Overview
Upper cervical spine mobility plays a crucial role in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. This observational study investigates the relationship between upper cervical spine mobility and TMJ range of motion in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Cervical hypomobility may restrict mandibular movement and contribute to TMJ dysfunction through shared biomechanical and neuromuscular mechanisms.
Detailed description
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are multifactorial conditions involving the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, or both. Prior research indicates a strong association between TMD and cervical spine dysfunction, with patients frequently exhibiting neck pain, reduced cervical motion, and muscular tenderness.
This study explores how upper cervical mobility (flexion, extension, and rotation) correlates with TMJ range of motion (mouth opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion). The aim is to identify whether cervical spine hypomobility contributes to restricted jaw movement in TMD patients.
A total of 50 participants with TMD will undergo standardized clinical measurements of cervical mobility using a CROM device and TMJ motion using a ruler or caliper. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients will be applied to evaluate the association between cervical and TMJ movement parameters.
Primary outcome measures
- Upper Cervical Spine Mobility [Time frame: Single assessment session (baseline only)]
- Temporomandibular Joint Range of Motion (TMJ ROM) [Time frame: Single assessment session (baseline only)]
- Correlation Between Upper Cervical Mobility and TMJ Range of Motion [Time frame: Single assessment session (baseline only)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Medically stable individuals who consent to participate in the study.
- Age between 18 and 50 years.
- Both male and female participants.
- Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction for at least three months.
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of systemic diseases.
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m².
- Pregnancy.
- Recent physical therapy for cervical spine disorders, headaches, or temporomandibular dysfunction.
- Cervical radiculopathy or other neurological disorders.
- History of trauma or major psychological problems.
- Generalized joint hypermobility.
- Down syndrome.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
Study locations
Egypt · 1 center
- faculty of physical therapy, Deraya University — Minya
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07371195 · Upper Cervical Mobility