International Journal of Nursing and Health Research

Authors
Fatma Gareh Ahmed Megahed, Salah El-Dein Gaber Shaltout, Magda Ahmed Mohammed, Sahra Zaki Azer

Abstract
The temporomandibular joint disorders concerns an heterogeneous group of pathologies that manifest in the orofacial region, head and neck, and result from the dysfunctional interrelationship between temporomandibular joints, masticatory and cervical muscles, teeth and dental tissues as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems. Aim: To evaluate the effect of nursing management on improving manifestations of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. Research design: Pre/post-test research design was utilized on 50 adult patients. Setting: The study was conducted in the maxillofacial surgery outpatient clinic at Assiut University Hospital. Tools: Structured questionnaire sheet & Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Questionnaire Assessment. Results: About half of the sample of the study group their age range between 18-29 years old, with mean of (29.12±9.82) and about three quarter of the study group were females. There is statistically significant difference for the study group regarding pain symptoms pre / post 4 weeks after implementation of the nursing management. Conclusion:It was concluded that conservative management including counseling, self-care, exercises, occlusal splint therapy, and massage are considered as the first choice treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders and the majority of temporomandibular joint disorders patients can be successfully treated safely. Recommendations: Pamphlets and simple illustration booklets should be available for patients to provide them with simple explanation about conservative management to maintain normal temporomandibular joint function.