Temporomandibular and cervical spine disorders. Self-reported signs and symptoms.

Abstract

The authors assessed the results of an anamnestic self-administered questionnaire given to 111 patients with temporomandibular disorders and 103 patients with cervical spine disorders. The present study was performed to investigate whether patients with cervical spine disorders and subgroups of patients with temporomandibular disorders differ regarding specific and accompanying signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and cervical spine disorders. Patients with temporomandibular disorders frequently show signs and symptoms related to cervical spine disorders, and, vice versa, patients with cervical spine disorders may show signs and symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders. Many authors have pointed out the existence of neuroanatomical and biomechanical relationships. The questionnaire included questions about pain, symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, accompanying signs and symptoms, psychosocial factors, and general health. Before their clinical examination, all patients were requested by mail to complete the questionnaire. Patients with cervical spine disorders reported fewer symptoms of temporomandibular disorders than the subgroups of patients with temporomandibular disorders, more general health symptoms than patients with temporomandibular disorders with an arthrogenous or myogenous component, and fewer ear symptoms than patients with temporomandibular disorders. There was no difference between the patient groups regarding other associated signs and symptoms and psychosocial factors as measured with the questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses showed that six variables (jaws, ears, eyes, temporomandibular joint sounds, complaints of the shoulders, and pain in joints other than the temporomandibular joint) correctly classified 91% of the patients as having temporomandibular disorders or cervical spine disorders. The results of this study do not support the theoretical concept that cervical spine disorders may give rise to temporomandibular disorders. The authors' results indicate that the anamnestic questionnaire can be used as an aid to distinguish patients with cervical spine disorders from subgroups of patients with temporomandibular disorders.