Effects of Different Physical Therapy Methods on Pain and Functional Status in Persons with the TMJ Functional Disorders and Lower Cross Syndrome

Abstract

Background. Most physiotherapists are not involved in this problem and correlations are very weak. Therefore, it is considered that in the presence of an irregular dental clench of the subjects, limited movements of the TMJ, lower cross syndrome should also be detected and different physiotherapy methodologies will be found to be positive indicators alteration of functional disorders of the TMJ and lower cross syndrome. The formation of irregular posture affects people who complain of low back pain. Relationship between dental clench and posture is a basis for discussion on the inclusion of diagnosis and treatment in the assessment of postural changes in individuals with irregular clench and dysfunction of the TMJ.

The purpose was to determine the effect of different physiotherapy methodologies on pain and functional status in persons with dysfunction of the TMJ and lower cross syndrome.

Methods. Only breathing, stabilization, motor control and stretching exercises are applied to group I. Breathing, stabilization, motor control and stretching exercises together with TMJ mobilization and chewing muscle recognition technique are applied to group II. We evaluated the active function of the TMJ and dental clench as well as the lumbar spine and pelvic position before and after different physical therapy methods.

Results. Only the exercise program of different types applied for four weeks did not affect the tendency changes in the evaluated indicators, the statistical significance was not determined (p > 0.05). For the group treated with different types of exercises in combination with TMJ mobilization and chewing muscle relaxation technique, a tendency in the change of indicators was observed, but the statistical significance was not determined (p > 0.05).

Conclusion. The function of the TMJ and dental clench, the function of the lumbar spine and pelvic position after different physical therapy methods statistical significance did not change.

Keywords: TMJ, functional disorders, lower cross syndrome, physical therapy.