Whiplash injuries can cause TMD problems.

• A. Sometimes
• B. Unrelated
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Whiplash injuries can cause TMD problems because the rapid neck extension and flexion strain neck and jaw muscles and alter head and neck biomechanics, which can affect the temporomandibular joint and its surrounding musculature. The jaw muscles (like the masseter and temporalis) work in concert with neck muscles, so muscle guarding, increased overall muscle tension, and postural changes after whiplash can lead to jaw pain, reduced bite or movement, and headaches that resemble or accompany TMD. Referred pain from neck structures can also be perceived as jaw pain, and stress or parafunctional jaw activity (such as clenching) may increase after injury, further stressing the TMJ. Because of these interconnected mechanisms, the association is real and clinically relevant, even though not every whiplash case develops TMD.