This article reported that by fixing a jaw joint problem with mouth splints, it helped people who also had neck pain! ~ Dr. Broussard
Correlation between TMD and cervical spine pain and mobility: is the whole body balance TMJ related?
Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:582414. doi: 10.1155/2014/582414. Epub 2014 Jun 19.
Walczyńska-Dragon K1, Baron S1, Nitecka-Buchta A1, Tkacz E2.
Abstract
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is considered to be associated with imbalance of the whole body. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of TMD therapy on cervical spine range of movement (ROM) and reduction of spinal pain. The study group consisted of 60 patients with TMD, cervical spine pain, and limited cervical spine range of movements. Subjects were interviewed by a questionnaire about symptoms of TMD and neck pain and had also masticatory motor system physically examined (according to RDC-TMD) and analysed by JMA ultrasound device. The cervical spine motion was analysed using an MCS device. Subjects were randomly admitted to two groups, treated and control. Patients from the treated group were treated with an occlusal splint. Patients from control group were ordered to self-control parafunctional habits. Subsequent examinations were planned in both groups 3 weeks and 3 months after treatment was introduced. The results of tests performed 3 months after the beginning of occlusal splint therapy showed a significant improvement in TMJ function (P > 0.05), cervical spine ROM, and a reduction of spinal pain. The conclusion is that there is a significant association between TMD treatment and reduction of cervical spine pain, as far as improvement of cervical spine mobility.
PMID: 25050363 PMCID: PMC4090505 DOI: 10.1155/2014/582414