The sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head and neck during a rear-end collision can stretch the soft tissues surrounding the cervical spine beyond their normal range of motion. This can result in strains, sprains, and tears that trigger the cluster of symptoms collectively known as whiplash-associated disorders. While neck pain is widely recognized, one consequence that often occurs but is less commonly considered is temporomandibular disorders (TMD), or jaw pain and associated disability.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is formed by the socket in the temporal bone of the skull and the condyle of the mandible (jawbone). It is a…
