[en] Background. Due to multiple factors that characterize our society and way of life, neck pain is a musculoskeletal disorder on the rise, and with it, its socioeconomic impact and in terms of individual disability. Various neurophysiological mechanisms mean that, after the first episode of neck pain, the risk of becoming chronic is high. This scenario poses a great challenge for clinicians, who must come up with novel and effective approaches. The neurophysiological relationship between cervical and orofacial structures, based in the trigeminal-cervical nucleus, may contribute to the perpetuation of pain and dysfunction in a bidirectional manner. In addition, patients in both spheres share risk factors and rates of disability. However, consideration of the TMJ region in patients with neck pain has been insufficiently addressed in both research and clinical practice. Objective. To evaluate the effect of incorporating the approach to temporomandibular disorders present in the usual physiotherapy treatment received by patients with chronic neck pain. Methods. An experimental, single-blind, randomized, longitudinal, prospective, and controlled clinical trial is proposed. The sample will be constituted of 40 subjects with chronic cervical pain, who will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will undergo a routine treatment program aimed at the cervical region and consisting of joint techniques and therapeutic exercise. The other group will also receive treatment for the temporomandibular dysfunctions that are present in the temporomandibular region. The intervention will have a duration of 6 weeks and 9 sessions in total. The dependent variables will be cervical pain (VAS and NRS), chronic pain impact (GCPS), cervical disability index (NDI), cervical amplitude (goniometry) and deep cervical flexor strength (CCFT). Secondarily, the impact of the intervention on the TMJ sphere will be evaluated. All variables will be measured at baseline, at the end of the intervention and three months later.

[gl] Introdución. Por múltiples factores que caracterizan á nosa sociedade e modo de vida, a dor cervical é un trastorno musculoesquelético á alza, e con ela, o seu impacto socioeconómico e en termos de discapacidade individual. Existen diversos mecanismos neurofisiolóxicos que fan que, tras o primeiro episodio de dor cervical, o risco de cronificación sexa alto. Este panorama supón un gran reto para os clínicos, que deben recurrir a abordaxes novas e efectivos. A relación neurofisiolóxica entre estruturas cervicais e orofaciais, asentada no núcleo trixémino-cervical pode contribuír á perpetuación da dor e disfunción dunha maneira bidireccional. Ademais, ambos grupos de pacientes comparten factores de risco e índices de discapacidade. Con todo, a consideración da rexión da ATM en pacientes con dor cervical resulta insuficientemente abordada no campo tanto da investigación como na práctica clínica. Obxetivo. Avaliar o efecto de incorporar a abordaxe dos trastornos temporomandibulares presentes no tratamento habitual de fisioterapia que reciben os pacientes con dor cervical crónica Material e método. Plantexase un ensaio clínico experimental, a simple cego, aleatorizado, lonxitudinal, prospectivo e controlado. A mostra estará constituída por 40 suxeitos con dor cervical crónica, que se dividirán de maneira aleatoria en dous grupos. Un grupo levará a cabo un programa de tratamento habitual dirixido á rexión cervical composto por técnicas de mobilización e manipulación articular e exercicio terapéutico. O outro grupo ademais do tratamento habitual recibirá tratamento para as disfuncións temporomandibulares que se atopen presentes. A intervención terá unha duración de 6 semanas e 9 sesións en total. As variables dependentes serán: dor cervical (VAS e NRS), impacto da dor crónica (GCPS), índice de discapacidade cervical (NDI), amplitude cervical (goniometría) e resistencia dos flexores cervicais profundos (TFCC). Secundariamente, avaliarase o impacto da intervención na esfera da ATM. Tódalas variables serán medidas ao comezo do estudo, ao finalizar a intervención e tres meses máis tarde.