J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Jan; 25(1): 63-70.

Chiropractic care of a patient with temporomandibular disorder and atlas subluxation.

Alcantara J, Plaugher G, Klemp DD, Salem C.

Research Associate, Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, Santa Cruz, Calif., USA.

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.