Synergistic modulation of cervical pain and function impairment via cranial stabilization and dry needling in temporomandibular disorder: Evidence from a randomized controlled clinical trial
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background Cervical spine dysfunction and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) often interact, resulting in decreased quality of life, limited jaw mobility, and persistent neck pain. Although there is still little data from randomized controlled studies, integrated rehabilitation regimens that target both the cranial and cervical regions may provide better therapeutic results. Objective To assess the impact of dry needling in conjunction with a systematic cranial stabilization exercise program on pain, jaw function, and quality of life in people with neck discomfort associated with TMD. Methods Ninety people with TMD and related neck discomfort participated in a single-center, parallel- group randomized controlled experiment. A control group (standard physiotherapy) and an experimental group (cranial stabilization exercises with dry needling) were assigned at random to the participants. For four weeks, the interventions were given three times a week. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD), Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT), Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to measure outcomes both before and after the intervention. Two-way mixed ANOVA was used to examine the effects of time, group, and interaction (p < 0.05). Results The experimental group showed significant improvements in all OHIP-14, NPAD, PPT, and WHOQOL-BREF areas when compared to controls (all p < 0.001). Pressure pain thresholds improved at every tested site, and maximum mouth opening rose by an average of 9 mm. Clinically significant advantages were confirmed by moderate-to-large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.6–1.2). Conclusion The four-week cranial stabilization and dry needling protocol significantly reduced neck pain and improved jaw function, oral health and quality of life among individuals with TMD. These findings support the clinical utility of this multimodal physiotherapeutic approach within comprehensive TMD management frameworks.
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Reports
Authors: Ramesh Chandra Patra, A. Yashudas
Institution: Lovely Professional University
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $600
Funder: Lovely Professional University
OpenAlex ID: W7128481876