Relationship Between Upper Cervical Mobility and Temporomandibular Joint Range of Motion in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders

Upper cervical spine mobility plays a crucial role in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. This observational study investigates the relationship between upper cervical spine mobility and TMJ range of motion in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Cervical hypomobility may restrict mandibular movement and contribute to TMJ dysfunction through shared biomechanical and neuromuscular mechanisms.

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Key information

Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cervicogenic Headache Craniomandibular Disorders Headache Disorders Headache Disorders, Secondary Jaw Diseases Joint Diseases Mandibular Diseases Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Myofascial Pain Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Post-Traumatic Headache Stomatognathic Diseases Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

faculty of physical therapy, Deraya University

Minya, Menia Governorate, Egypt

Location contact

Aliaa Gamal Hussien

CONTACT

[email protected]

+201003041632

About this study

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are multifactorial conditions involving the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, or both. Prior research indicates a strong association between TMD and cervical spine dysfunction, with patients frequently exhibiting neck pain, reduced cervical motion, and muscular tenderness.

This study explores how upper cervical mobility (flexion, extension, and rotation) correlates with TMJ range of motion (mouth opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion). The aim is to identify whether cervical spine hypomobility contributes to restricted jaw movement in TMD patients.

A total of 50 participants with TMD will undergo standardized clinical measurements of cervical mobility using a CROM device and TMJ motion using a ruler or caliper. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients will be applied to evaluate the association between cervical and TMJ movement parameters.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Medically stable individuals who consent to participate in the study.
Age between 18 and 50 years.
Both male and female participants.
Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction for at least three months.

Exclusion criteria

Presence of systemic diseases.
Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m².
Pregnancy.
Recent physical therapy for cervical spine disorders, headaches, or temporomandibular dysfunction.
Cervical radiculopathy or other neurological disorders.
History of trauma or major psychological problems.
Generalized joint hypermobility.
Down syndrome.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Upper Cervical Spine Mobility

Time frame: Single assessment session (baseline only)

Upper cervical spine mobility (flexion, extension, and left and right rotation) will be measured in degrees using a CROM device. Participants will be seated in an upright position, and each movement will be measured twice following standardized procedures. The mean value of both readings will be used for analysis.
Temporomandibular Joint Range of Motion (TMJ ROM)

Time frame: Single assessment session (baseline only)

TMJ range of motion will be measured in millimetres using a standard ruler or digital calliper. Measurements include maximum mouth opening, lateral excursion (left and right), and protrusion. Each measurement will be taken twice, and the average will be recorded in millimetres to ensure reliability.
Correlation Between Upper Cervical Mobility and TMJ Range of Motion

Time frame: Single assessment session (baseline only)

The relationship between upper cervical spine mobility (measured in degrees using the CROM device) and TMJ range of motion (measured in millimetres using a ruler or calliper) will be analysed statistically. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients will be applied, depending on data normality, to determine the strength and direction of association.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Demiana Hany Habib

CONTACT

[email protected]

+201229435551

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Deraya University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jan 27, 2026
Registry last updated: Jan 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed