Effects of neck exercises on jaw joint pain

Investigation of the Effect of Progressive Neck Motor Control Exercises on Craniocervical Pain, Posture, Function and Kinesiophobia in Different Types of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

NA · Karadeniz Technical University · NCT06148818

This study is testing if neck exercises can help people with jaw joint pain feel better and improve their posture compared to just getting information about their condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorKaradeniz Technical University (other)
Locations1 site (Trabzon)
Trial IDNCT06148818 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how progressive neck motor control exercises can alleviate craniocervical pain, improve posture, and reduce kinesiophobia in individuals suffering from different types of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Participants will be diagnosed by a dentist and divided into groups based on their specific type of dysfunction. Over a period of six weeks, the treatment group will receive neck exercises and patient education, while the control group will only receive patient education. The study aims to compare the outcomes between these groups to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 55 with temporomandibular joint-related complaints lasting at least three months and neck pain rated at 3 or higher on a numeric pain scale.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive problems, systemic joint diseases, or those who have recently undergone treatment for temporomandibular joint pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve function for patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using neck motor control exercises for temporomandibular dysfunction is less common, similar interventions have shown promise in related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 to 55 years old,
* Temporomandibular joint-related complaints for at least 3 months,
* Temporomandibular dysfunction is diagnosed as a result of clinical and radiological evaluation by the dentist,
* Neck pain of 3 or more according to the numeric pain scale

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive problems,
* The one with the splint,
* Those who have used painkillers or muscle relaxants for temporomandibular dysfunction complaints in the last 1 week,
* With any systematic joint or muscle disease (e.g. fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis),
* Those with serious systemic diseases,
* Any neurological disorder (e.g. trigeminal neuralgia),
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding,
* Treated for Temporomandibular joint or orofacial muscle pain in the last 3 months,
* Has undergone an operation/trauma to the cervical region and/or temporomandibular joint,
* Positive vertebrobasilar artery test

Where this trial is running

Trabzon

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, Pain, neck motor control exercise, posture, kinesiophobia, function

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.