Effectiveness Of Manipulation Along with Proprioceptive Technique on Pain and Functional Limitations in Relationship With Cervical Spine Among Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction-A Simple Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), masticatory muscles, and related tissues, causing regional facial or jaw pain and functional difficulties with activities such as eating, yawning, and speaking. Common symptoms include pain in the TMJs or masticatory muscles, which can be triggered during clinical examination, and audible sounds from the TMJs. Physiotherapy, involving manipulation and proprioceptive techniques, has been shown to effectively reduce pain and enhance jaw mobility. Aim: This research aims to evaluate the combined effectiveness of manipulation and proprioceptive techniques in treating TMDs and to investigate their relationship with the cervical spine. Objectives: The primary goal is to assess the impact of integrating manipulation and proprioceptive techniques on TMD treatment outcomes and their association with the cervical spine in affected patients. Subjects and Methods: The experimental study included males and females aged 35-50 with TMD. Participants underwent a combined treatment of manipulation and proprioceptive techniques over 8 months. Pain and jaw function were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: Significant improvements were observed in TMD patients. The mean VAS score decreased from 5 before treatment to 2.53 afterward. The t-value exceeded the critical t-value at a 0.05 significance level. Similarly, the JFLS mean score increased from 6.67 pre-treatment to 8.33 post-treatment, with the t-value also surpassing the critical value at a 0.05 significance level. Conclusion: The study concludes that combining manipulation and proprioceptive techniques significantly reduces pain and improves jaw function in TMD subjects. Clinical Implications: Utilizing manipulation and proprioceptive techniques is effective in reducing pain and enhancing jaw function for individuals with TMD subjects.