Association between Temporo Mandibular Disorders Cervical Spine Disorders and Occupation

To explore the prevalence of CSD and TMD among female dentists, female hi-tech workers, and a matched gender-age group.

Methods: Three groups of women participated: 44 hi-tech workers, 48 dentists, and 48 members of a matched gender-age. The study included a questionnaire completed by the subjects, the temporomandibular clinical examination included a full Axis 1 examination of Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD and the cervical clinical examination included a range of head movement examination, palpation of the neck muscles, and a posture examination. The Helsinki Committee at the Tel Aviv University, Israel, approved the study.

Results: A significant correlation was found between muscular masticatory disorders and female hi-tech workers and dentists (P=0.016). Female hi-tech workers and dentists, suffer from significantly decreased neck movement (P=0.02), and poorer posture as compared to the matched group, whereas hi-tech workers have the worst posture. Hi-tech workers suffer from pain of a much higher intensity, during the palpation of cervical muscles, as compared to the other groups (P<0.001).

Conclusions: 1. Present working conditions in the fields of hi-tech and dentistry constitute a risk factor for CSD and TMD. 2. A possible correlation exists between TMD, CSD and posture.