Chinappi AS Jr; Getzoff H, "The dental-chiropractic cotreatment of structural disorders of the jaw and temporomandibular joint dysfunction", J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1995 Sep, 18:7, 476-81

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To present a case demonstrating the concept of integrated
dental-orthopedic and craniochiropractic care for treating structural
disorders of the jaw, neck and spine. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 33-yr-old
woman sought orthodontic therapy for an overbite and severe crowding of
the lower teeth. She reported a history of bilateral headaches and jaw
popping. Orthodontic examination revealed degenerative changes in the
right temporomandibular joint and restricted jaw opening. While in
treatment, the patient began to experience severe temporomandibular
joint pain and neck/lower back pain, which convinced her to accept
chiropractic care. Initial chiropractic sacro-occipital technique (SOT)
evaluation found Category II weight-bearing instability of the
sacroiliac joint, specific thoracic and cervical vertebral subluxations,
cranial sutural restrictions and temporomandibular dysfunction. Cervical
X-rays revealed absence of the anterior cervical curve, characterized by
parallel vertebral base lines. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: In addition to
orthodontic treatment, the patient also received semiweekly (then
bimonthly) adjustments of the spine, neck and cranial sutures. The
cotreatment approach eliminated pain while improving head, jaw and tooth
position. CONCLUSION: The position of the jaw and head and neck are
intricately linked. The acute symptoms experienced during the initial
dental treatment phase were caused by the inability of the head and neck
to adapt to maxillary and mandibular changes. Chiropractic treatments
enabled the body to respond positively to the dental changes. As the
mandibular position improved, further improvements were indicated by
physical testing and X-rays.