Influence of craniomandibular and cervical pain on the activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to establish the prevalence of pain in the craniomandibular and cervical spine region in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and to analyze the effects of these disorders on the bilateral activation of anterior temporalis (AT) and masseter (MA) muscles during the masticatory cycle.


METHODS
The participants were 55 female volunteers aged 18-30 years. The presence of TMD and craniomandibular and cervical spine pain was evaluated by applying the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) questionnaire and using a combination of tests for the cervical region. The muscle activity of AT and MA during the masticatory cycle was assessed using the symmetry and antero-posterior coefficient indices.


RESULTS
The AT activity during the masticatory cycle is more asymmetric in individuals with TMD. The craniomandibular pain, more prevalent in these individuals, influenced these results.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with TMD showed changes in the pattern activity of AT. The craniomandibular nociceptive inputs can influence the increase in asymmetry of the activation of this muscle.
Center for Health Sciences, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Lilian Gerdi Kittel
LG
Ries
Center for Health Sciences, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Maylli Daiani
MD
Graciosa
Center for Health Sciences, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Daiane Lazzeri De
DL
Medeiros
Center for Health Sciences, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Sheila Cristina Da Silva
SC
Pacheco
Center for Health Sciences, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Carlos Eduardo
CE
Fassicolo
Center for Health Sciences, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Bárbara Camila Flissak
BC
Graefling
aff02.
Viviane Veroni
VV
Degan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017271:Craniomandibular Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008409:Mastication; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013703:Temporal Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult