The Effect of Jaw Clenching on the Electromyographic Activities of 2 Neck and 2 Trunk Muscles

Aims: Symptoms of jaw dysfunction are often associated with neck muscle dysfunction or other musculoskeletal problems. This study attempted to quantify the effect of jaw clenching on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of certain neck, trunk, and jaw muscles.

Methods: The authors recorded EMG muscle activity in the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, paravertebral, and rectus abdominis muscles in 10 university students at rest and during strong jaw clenching in supine and sitting positions.

Results: In both positions, jaw clenching resulted in increases in neck muscle activity ranging from 7.6 to 33 times resting muscle activity; for the trunk muscles, the increases ranged from 1.4 to 3.3 times resting activity.

Conclusion: These results add further information to the concept of the interrelatedness of jaw, neck, and trunk muscle activity.

jaw clenching; electromyography; trunk muscles; neck muscles; masseter; sternocleidomastoid; trapezius; paravertebral muscles; rectus abdomims