Abstract
Purpose: There is a rising prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and, therefore a need to improve the management of these conditions. No studies have been done to assess the possible associations between the shoulder girdle and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in participants with TMD. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of disability, dysfunction and pain in the shoulder girdle in participants with TMD. In addition, the association between the disability, dysfunction and pain in the shoulder girdle and TMJ in participants with temporomandibular disorders was investigated. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed where participants were invited to complete an online survey if they received a score of two or more on the TMD-pain screener. The survey included questions on demographics, the TMJ, and the shoulder girdle. Results: A total of 186 individuals with TMD participated in the study of whom, 56% (n = 104) reported having shoulder pain and 45% (n = 84) reported having previous shoulder treatment. A positive correlation was found between the level of TMD, as indicated by the mean Fonseca Anamnestic index score and the pain (r = 0.29; p < 0.001), disability (r = 0.24; p = 0.001), and total scores (r = 0.28; p < 0.001) on the Shoulder Pain and Disability index and similarly with shoulder pain at its worst (r = 0.19; p = 0.009). Conclusions: The associations found between the pain and disability of the shoulder girdle and TMJ give insight into the relationship between the two areas in participants with TMD.