Additive Effects of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Relax Pads and Gymnastic Exercises in Office Workers with Chronic Neck Pain—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Gymnastic exercises exert positive effects on chronic neck pain. Growing evidence suggests that combining cervical spine exercises with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) relax pads, may enhance outcomes on pain, discomfort and functional limitations. Objective: To evaluate the additive effect of silicone TMJ relax pads worn in the molar region during cervical spine exercises on reducing neck pain and improving function. Methods: 52 sedentary middle-aged to older adults working on video display unit (VDU) workstations were randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups performed a specific cervical spine exercise program (3x 3min/day) for three months. One group used bilateral TMJ relax pads during the sessions (EX-RP); the control group exercised without pads (EX). Neck pain intensity was assessed using a one-week pain protocol prior and after a six-week intervention. Functional assessments included cervical/thoracic spine and shoulder mobility tests, and thoracic kyphosis angle measurement. Intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation was performed. Results: Data from 25 EX-RP and 22 EX participants were analysed. Both groups showed reduced neck pain, but only EX-RP achieved a statistically significant reduction (p=.001). Pain reduction was greater in EX-RP than in EX (p=.046). Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores improved in both groups (p <.001), with no significant difference between groups (p =.514). EX-RP showed greater improvements in cervical extension (p=.044) and trunk rotation (p=.019). Conclusion: Combining cervical exercises with TMJ relax pads may enhance pain reduction and functional outcomes in individuals with chronic neck pain.