Immediate effect of cervical mobilization in temporomandibular disorder patients

The aim of this study was to assess the immediate effect of cervical mobilization on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Twenty-two volunteers, all females, participated in this study. The experimental and placebo groups were comprised of TMD patients with rotation at least one of the three first cervical vertebrae observed by radiographic examination, while the control group was comprised of TMD-free subjects without cervical vertebrae rotation. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in pain intensity and a significant increase in rotation and lateral flexion range of motion of volunteers of experimental group immediately after application of the cervical mobilization procedure. However, all these effects were of short duration.