Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 3-week rehabilitation programme focusing only on the cervical region, pain intensity, range of motion in the cervical spine, head posture, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functioning in subjects with idiopathic neck pain who did not report TMJ pain. Design A parallel group trial with follow-up. Methods The study included 60 participants divided into 2 groups: experimental: n = 25, 27-57 years old, experiencing idiopathic neck pain and who underwent a 3-week rehabilitation programme, and the control, n = 35, 27-47 years, who were cervical pain-free. At baseline and after 3 weeks of treatment in the experimental group and with a 3-week time interval in the control group, pain intensity, head posture in the sagittal plane, range of motion in the cervical spine, and TMJ functioning were evaluated. Results After 3 weeks of rehabilitation, there was a significant decrease in pain intensity, improved range of motion of the cervical spine and head posture, and improved clinical condition of TMJ in participants with idiopathic neck pain who did not report TMJ pain. Conclusion The study suggested that idiopathic neck pain is associated with limited range of motion in the cervical spine, incorrect head posture, and TMJ dysfunction. Our data suggests that therapy focusing only on the cervical region may improve the clinical condition of the TMJ in subjects with idiopathic neck pain who do not report TMJ pain. These observations could be helpful in physiotherapeutic treatment of neck and craniofacial area dysfunctions. This trial is registered with ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN14511735.
Highlights
70% of the general population experience neck pain or decreased quality of everyday life due to cervical spine dysfunctions [1]
Participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain reported the following at the time of evaluation: chronic, persistent, deep aching neck pain in soft tissues at least 4/10 on a visual analogue scale (VAS) scale, experience of pain for 12 weeks or longer, and pain associated with activities and relieved with rest
We have suggested that complex temporomandibular joint (TMJ) evaluation should always be included in the assessment and treatment of patients with idiopathic neck pain, even if they do not report orofacial pain
Summary
70% of the general population experience neck pain or decreased quality of everyday life due to cervical spine dysfunctions [1]. This constitutes an essential health issue, and the magnitude of its socioeconomic outcomes is secondary only to low back pain [2, 3]. Chronic idiopathic neck pain is defined as neck pain lasting more than 3 months, without the presence of trauma, cervical hernias with clinical symptoms, or radiculopathy. The complicated anatomical structure of the cervical spine, its complex biomechanical function, close proximity of nervous system structures, and symptom inhomogeneity are a challenge for clinicians and researchers dealing with diagnostics and treatment of neck pain
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