LAUSR

OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review is to assess the evidence of association of cervical spine signs and symptoms with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This will help to lend credence to mechanisms supporting the association, in order to improve care strategies for this condition. INTRODUCTION The association of cervical spine impairments (in relation to neck posture, cervical spine mobility, muscle tenderness, muscle activity and neck disability) with TMD has been widely discussed in the literature. Clarification of this relationship is important for health professionals to better assess and treat TMD. INCLUSION CRITERIA Eligible studies will include participants aged 18 years and over, with a diagnosis of TMD from the Research and Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) or a revised version. Exclusion criteria will be participants with previous temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery, history of trauma or fracture in the TMJ or the craniomandibular system, serious comorbid conditions like cancer, rheumatic disease and neurological problem, primary cervical spine disorder such as disc herniation or spinal degenerative changes, or presenting a systemic disease such as ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS The search for articles will be conducted in the databases PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, Web of Science and Embase, without language or time restrictions. Two independent reviewers will review the title, abstract and full-text of identified studies, select studies against the inclusion criteria, assess the methodological quality of eligible studies using critical appraisal tools, and perform data extraction. Studies will be pooled in statistical meta-analysis, where possible. Relevant quantitative data will be pooled with statistical meta-analysis. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42019123698.