Chiropractic care of a patient with temporomandibular disorder and atlas subluxation

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Jan;25(1):63-70. doi: 10.1067/mmt.2002.120415.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the chiropractic care of a patient with cervical subluxation and complaints associated with temporomandibular disorder.

Clinical features: A 41-year-old woman had bilateral ear pain, tinnitus, vertigo, altered or decreased hearing acuity, and headaches. She had a history of ear infections, which had been treated with prescription antibiotics. Her complaints were attributed to a diagnosis of temporomandibular joint syndrome and had been treated unsuccessfully by a medical doctor and dentist.

Intervention and outcome: High-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments (ie, Gonstead technique) were applied to findings of atlas subluxation. The patient's symptoms improved and eventually resolved after 9 visits.

Conclusion: The chiropractic care of a patient with temporomandibular disorder, headaches, and subluxation is described. Clinical issues relevant to the care of patients with this disorder are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Atlas / pathology*
  • Earache / etiology
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology
  • Hearing Disorders / etiology
  • Humans
  • Manipulation, Chiropractic*
  • Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / complications*
  • Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / pathology
  • Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / therapy*
  • Tinnitus / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vertigo / etiology