Relationship between head posture and temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome

Objective: To investigate the relationship between temporomandibular joint dysfunction and head posture. Methods: Thirty patients with temporomandibular joint pain and thirty healthy adults were included the study. After physical examination, patients were subjected to cervical X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint. The cervical and mandibular range of motion [active-passive], the vertical dimension of the mandibular rest position, and head and shoulder angle parameters of the patients were evaluated. Cervical range of motion was measured by a goniometer. Mandibular range of motion was measured with a ruler, between upper and lower first incisor teeth. The rest position of the mandible was calculated between the most anterior point on nose and chin from the photographic approach. For measurement of head and shoulder angles, the tragus, spinal process tip of C7 cervical vertebra and acromial head on the shoulder were marked. Then calculations were performed from these three points of the patients' photographs. Results: There was a statistical difference in head and shoulder angles, temporomandibular joint active-passive range of motion values and rest position of the mandible between comparison groups [P < 0.001]. There was no statistical significant difference in cervical range of motion results [P > 0.05]. Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis that poor posture causes muscle imbalance and pain which are highly correlated with developing temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <docdelivery@haworthpress.com> Website: <http://www.HaworthPress.com> (C) 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.].