Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with Concurrent Neck Pain with Headache and TMJ Pain: A Case Report

Background: Neck pain with headaches and TMJ pain are common orthopedic complaints that physical therapists treat. While treatment options are discussed in the literature for each diagnosis individually, rarely is treatment described for patients with concurrent neck pain with headaches and TMJ pain. The purpose of this case report is to examine the plan of care of a patient with concurrent neck pain with headache and TMJ pain that had a successful outcome. Case Description: The patient was a 25-year-old male with concurrent neck pain with headache and TMJ pain that was interfering with his ability to perform his daily tasks as a student. Outcomes:  The primary outcome measure used was the patient-specific functional scale (PSFS) and the patient was discharged after having met all his goals. Discussion: Multi-modal treatment consisting of cervical and scapulothoracic exercise, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization led to significant improvement of PSFS outcomes in this patient.