Temporomandibular disorders and cervical spine disorders among resistance exercise sportspersons

Objectives: To determine the frequency of temporomandibular disorders, cervical spine disorders and dental attrition among athletes who perform resistance training, as compared to a healthy age matched group. Materials and Methods: 50 male athletes (mean age 26.82±6.3) training for at least 5 years against resistance were compared to 49 healthy males (mean age 27.61± 5.62) who are involved in leisure time sports only. The study included two questionnaires which were filled out individually by the examinee, as well as temporomandibular (RDC/TMD), cervical and dental clinical examinations. Results: 1. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding TMD. 2. Awake bruxism and abfraction lesions were significantly more prevalent among athletes (Fisher's Exact Test: P=0.0041 and P=0.002 respectively).4. Even after excluding bruxers (sleep and awake) from both groups, abfraction lesions were still significantly more prevalent among athletes (Fisher's Exact Test: P=0.031). 5. Athletes suffer significantly more from improper posture and from restriction of the range of motion of the neck (Fisher's Exact Test: P<0.001 and P=0.04 respectively). Discussion: Abfraction lesions may be due to the forces exerted upon the teeth during training and not due to awake or sleep bruxism. The training of non- professional athletes involved in non-competitive sports, may result in imbalances in the working of agonist and antagonist muscles, and therefore they may suffer from improper posture and restriction of neck movements. Their large muscle mass may also limit their neck movements. Conclusion: Exercising against resistance is not a risk factor for developing TMD, but is a risk factor for tooth damage and loss of tooth material, neck disorders and improper posture. In light of these findings, we advise athletes to use mouth protectors, in order to prevent dental damage, and to practice balanced exercise in order to prevent neck problems and improper posture.