Cervico-mandibular muscle activity in females with chronic cervical pain
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2013
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South African Journal of Physiotherapy
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Pathophysiological mechanisms behind pain in chronic cervical musculoskeletal conditions (MSC) in office workers remain unclear. Chronic cervical pain has established links with temporomandibular (TM) disorders. Yet there is no current published evidence to report whether individuals with cervical dysfunction exhibit altered masseter and cervical extensor (CE) muscle activity. Objective: To explore CE and masseter surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity and teeth clenching habits in females with chronic cervical dysfunction and no TM disorder. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional correlational study with single-blinding. Participants: University students and staff with or without chronic cervical pain and no TM involvement. Methods: Descriptive and pain data captured from Research Diagnostic Criteria for TM disorders, Neck Disability Index, Computer Usage, Brief Pain Inventory, and EuroQoL-5D questionnaires. Female participants allocated to a chronic cervical (n = 20) and a control group (n = 22). Investigator blinded to the study groups recorded sEMG of bilateral masseter and CE muscles (C4/5 level) at rest and during light teeth clenching. Results: No differences in socio-demographic profile; or in masseter or CE sEMG activity at rest or during light clench between groups. The pain group had higher scores for pain, reported a daytime teeth clenching habit, and had worse scores for the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) sub-sections for pain, anxiety/depression, and lower scores for perceived health status. Conclusion: No relationship established between cervico-mandibular sEMG activity and reported disability in females with chronic cervical dysfunction and no TM disorder. Association between biopsychosocial factors of teeth clenching and anxiety/depression highlights complex pathophysiological mechanisms in chronic recurrent cervical pain.
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Lang, T., Parker, R., & Burgess, T. (2013). Cervico-mandibular muscle activity in females with chronic cervical pain. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 69(3), 3-8.