Mouth opening, jaw disability, neck disability, pressure pain thresholds, and myofascial trigger points in patients with disc displacement with reduction: A descriptive and comparative study

ABSTRACT

Objective

To assess jaw and neck function, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and the presence of trigger points (TrPs) in disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) subjects compared to healthy subjects.

Methods

One hundred DDWR subjects and 100 matched controls were studied. Clinical evaluations included demographic data, range of motion, jaw and neck disability, PPT, and muscle TrPs.

Results

DDWR subjects have limited pain-free opening limitation (p < 0.001), jaw and neck disability limitation (p < 0.001), and higher presence of active and latent TrPs limitation (p < 0.001) compared to healthy subjects.

Conclusion

DDWR subjects present a limited pain-free mouth opening, higher jaw and neck disability, lower PPT, and major presence of active and latent TrPs compared to healthy subjects. Cervical spine and TMJ evaluation and treatment should be considered in DDWR patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Temporomandibular joint
• disc displacement
• myofascial trigger points

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).