Possible manifestation of temporomandibular joint dysfunction on chiropractic cervical X-ray studies

Our purpose was to show that biomechanical alterations toward and away from normal on x-ray studies may be the result of changes in temporomandibular joint dysfunction and to discuss possible neurologic explanations for this phenomenon.

Two patients are discussed; the first had migraine headache symptoms, and the second had chronic hypomobility of mandibular opening, dizziness, headache, and neck pain and stiffness. In both patients mensuration changes in different types of cervical x-ray studies were noted in conjunction with exacerbation of, and elimination of, temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Comanagement of these cases was done with dental professionals. Chiropractic treatment included vectored/linear, upper cervical, high-velocity, low-amplitude chiropractic manipulation of the atlas vertebra, diversified manipulation, myofascial therapy, stretch and spray procedures, and soft tissue manual techniques.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction may cause cervical muscular and spinal biomechanical changes that may become visible and change on x-ray examination. Further investigation into this phenomenon is recommended.