Background: Otological complaints (OC) are highly prevalent in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and so is the risk of neck dysfunctions.
Objective: To evaluate pain, deep neck flexor (DNF) performance, disability, and head and neck posture of individuals with TMD with and without OC.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 57 individuals were divided into a group with TMD and OC (n= 31) and a group with TMD without OC (n= 26). Self-reported pain intensity, masticatory and neck muscles pressure pain thresholds, DNF performance, neck disability, and head and neck posture were evaluated. Data were compared between groups using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes were evaluated using Cohen's index.
Results: The TMD with OC group presented less muscle activation [26 (24-28) vs. 24 (24-26) mmHg; p< 0.05], less endurance [105 (46-140) vs. 44 (28-78) points; p< 0.05], and greater neck disability (8.15 ± 5.89 vs. 13.32 ± 6.36 points; p< 0.05). No significant difference was observed in self-reported pain, head and neck posture, or pressure pain thresholds.
Conclusion: Individuals with TMD with OC presented decreased DNF performance and increased neck disability compared to individuals with TMD without OC.
Keywords: Neck muscles; dizziness; neck pain; temporomandibular joint; tinnitus.