Chiropractic care of a patient with temporomandibular disorder and atlas subluxation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the chiropractic care of a patient with cervical subluxation and complaints associated with temporomandibular disorder.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Alcantara
Joel
J
Research Associate, Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, Santa Cruz, Calif., USA.
Plaugher
Gregory
G
Klemp
Darrel D
DD
Salem
Chris
C
D000328:Adult; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000473:pathology*; D004433:Earache / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D026882:Manipulation, Chiropractic; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology