A Research Protocol on Effectiveness of Sub Occipital Myofacial Release on Functional Disability in Temporomandibular Dysfunction with Neck Pain: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is one of commonest joint that gets affected in females, studies shows that the altered posture of cervical spine lead to mandibular retrusion and hence in long term leads to Temporomandibular dysfunction, the tightness of sub-occipital muscle leads to pulling of the ligaments around the joint in course causing retrusion or malocclusion. The common symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction includes clicking, reduced mouth opening, headache. Alteration in the function of TMJ leads to poor quality of life of the individual as this joint is involved in basic activities like talking, eating, laughing and kissing. The sub-occipital muscles are the group of muscle extending from spinous process of C2 vertebrae to inferior nuchal line of occipital bone. Tightness of this muscle lead to extension of upper cervical spine and flexion of lower cervical spine. The common causes of temporomandibular dysfunction includes injury to jaw, overuse, inflammatory condition like arthritis and bruxism. Our aim is to find out the efficacy of sub-occipital Myofacial Release versus conventional physiotherapy on functional disability of TMJ. The clinical trial registry-India (CTRI) registration number for this trial is CTRI/2021/05/033493.

Methodology: In this study the total of 60 patients with mild to moderate Temporomandibular dysfunction with neck pain were divided into two group one group received MFR and other group received stretching exercises followed by conventional physiotherapy. The treatment was given for two week 5 session in each week. The assessment was done at day one of treatment and the end of first week and at the end of second week.

Discussion: This study was done to find out the effectiveness of suboccipital Myofacial release and stretching exercises in mild to moderate Temporomandibular joint dysfunction with neck pain.

Conclusion: Conclusion of the study can be made based on the effect of both technique on functional disability in patient with mild to moderate TMD and opt for more specific treatment for rehabilitation of patient with TMD.