Association Between Cervical Discopathy and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Objective: Cervical discopathy is a pathology resulting from the displacement of the nucleus pulposus into the cervical spinal canal. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is characterized by pain and limited movement in the temporomandibular region. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and cervical discopathy. Materials and Methods: The study included patients diagnosed with cervical disc herniation who presented to our outpatient clinic, along with a control group consisting of patients from other outpatient departments without cervical spine pathology. Participants were evaluated based on demographic data, systemic diseases, trauma history, TMD symptoms, joint sounds, facial pain, teeth grinding, teeth clenching, yawning, mouth opening capacity, masseter pain, and preferred sleeping position. Results: A total of 90 individuals participated in the study: 45 with cervical disc herniation and 45 controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of age or body mass index (BMI) (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant association was found between cervical discopathy and masseter pain, denture use, trauma history, TMD symptoms, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching (p<0.05 for all). Conclusion: This study found significant associations between cervical discopathy and TMJ symptoms such as masseter pain, denture use, trauma, teeth grinding, and clenching. These findings are consistent with the literature. The jaw joint should be carefully evaluated in patients with cervical discopathy.