Correlation between bruxism and cervical function

Abstract Background Temporomandibular joint has biomechanical and neurological interactions with cervical region in a complex functioning that is addressed as cranio-cervical mandibular system. Subjects and methods In a prospective cohort study of 67 patients, their mean age 24.3 ± 5.6 years of both genders with temporomandibular disorder “bruxism,” patients had fulfilled a questionnaire regarding bruxism manifestations. Pain pressure algometer was used to assess pain pressure threshold for trigger point in masseter, temporalis, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius, and bubble inclinometer was used to assess cervical proprioception for all cervical ranges. Results There was a statistical significant indirect weak correlation between proprioception error of cervical flexion and pain pressure threshold of masseter ( r = − 0.333) ( p = 0.006), between proprioception error of cervical flexion and pain pressure threshold of trapezius ( r = − 0.363) ( p = 0.003), and also between proprioception error of cervical left-side bending and pain pressure threshold of trapezius ( r − 0.298; p 0.014), while there was significant direct weak correlation between proprioception error of cervical left rotation and cervical bending to left ( r 0.315; p 0.009), where the p -value was < 0.05. Conclusion The study proved that temporomandibular joint pain was correlated with impaired neck proprioception in whom with bruxism. Trial registration NCT05657353. Registered 28 November 2022 — prospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4 .