## 1 Introduction  
In contemporary times, a majority of the population experiences symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction [1; 2]. The causes of TMJ dysfunction include structural factors (e.g., muscular, skeletal, and neural), functional factors (e.g., lifestyle and body posture), psychological factors (e.g., stress), or any combination of these factors [3]. Epidemiological data on prevalence rates are highly variable [4]. Women are four times more likely to report temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, which, according to the authors, is due to hormonal factors and gender-specific biological characteristics [5]. TMJ dysfunctions often manifest as symptoms such as temporofacial pain, headaches, limited range of motion, a feeling of joint clicking, and acoustic symptoms such as joint clicking and crepitus. Prolonged excessive tension in the aforementioned structures can affect other sections of the spine, limbs, and even internal organs [6]. Changes in the TMJcause adaptations throughout the musculoskeletal system, leading to postural changes, modifying the body's biomechanics, and disrupting overall body alignment [7]. The masticatory muscles, including not only the masseter muscle but also the temporalis and pterygoid muscles, play essential roles in jaw movement, stability, and the overall function of the temporomandibular joint. The masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles are involved in various functional activities of the stomatognathic system, including chewing, swallowing, and speech. This range of functions requires coordination of the neuromuscular system with the appropriate activation of the tongue, facial, and pharyngeal muscles. In this regard, chewing is one of the most complex and coordinated functional movements, involving diverse jaw patterns [8; 9]. Structurally, the jaw is connected to other body areas through the deep anterior fascial line. Myofascali lines are defined as direct connections between adjacent muscular structures within the fascial network. Tensions and overloads are transmitted along these lines. Due to its course, the deep anterior line connects two distant areas--the soles of the feet and the temporomandibular joints [10]. Studies indicate differences in foot load distribution between individuals with TMJ dysfunction and those without. Additionally, occlusal conditions of the masticatory system impact foot load distribution [11]. There is also an observed correlation between the stomatognathic system and body posture and postural stability [12]. Some scientific studies confirm clinical, anatomical, and functional links between the cranial area, TMJ, and cervical spine [13; 14; 15]. Nevertheless, the mechanism of this relationship remains unclear, and the correlation between TMJ disorders (TMD) and changes in head and neck posture remains controversial. Understanding the complex relationships between the stomatognathic system, cervical spine, pain, and dysfunction in other body areas is crucial for effectively treating patients at an early stage of painful symptoms and achieving faster and more effective therapeutic outcomes. Current research suggests that cervical spine manual therapy can positively impact patients with TMJ disorder symptoms. This approach has demonstrated significant improvements in TMJ range of motion and a reduction in facial pain [16; 17; 18]. The authors indicate that the TMJ and cervical spine have interconnected relationships through neuroanatomical and neurophysiological structures, where issues in one area can influence symptoms in the other. Physical therapy applied to both areas over a three-month period has shown significant symptom reduction in both the TMJ and cervical regions. This finding supports an integrative treatment approach that addresses both the TMJ and cervical spine to enhance patient outcomes in cases of co-occurring dysfunction [19]. A review of the literature reveals that most existing studies focus primarily on the impact of TMJ therapy on the mobility of the TMJ itself.