Temporomandibular Joint
Dysfunction and Chiropractic

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

	TMJ Trauma and Its Rehabilitation Chapter 13 from:   Schafer Rehabilitation Monograph Series By Richard C. Schafer, D.C., FICC and the ACAPress This article reviews TMJ anatomy, management electives and manipulative approaches. This is NOT a self-help guide, it is a learned review for the practicing doctor of chiropractic.
	Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Using the Activator Adjusting Instrument: A Prospective Case Series J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2003 (Sep); 26 (7): 421–425 ~ FULL TEXT The results of this prospective case series indicated that the TMD symptoms of these participants improved following a course of treatment using the Activator Methods, International protocol. Consequently, further investigation of this type of chiropractic treatment for patients with the articular type of TMD is warranted.
	Chiropractic Care of a Patient with Temporomandibular Disorder and Atlas Subluxation J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002 (Jan); 25 (1): 63–70 ~ FULL TEXT 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.
	The Dental-chiropractic Cotreatment of Structural Disorders of the Jaw and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1995 (Sep); 18 (7): 476–481 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.
	Chiropractic Manipulation of Anteriorly Displaced Temporomandibular Disc With Adhesion J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1995 (Feb); 18 (2): 98–104 The patient was treated twice a week for a total of 19 visits. During the baseline period no treatment was given to the TMJ (3 visits) where the patient received cervical manipulation alone. During the experimental period the patient received both cervical spine manipulation and a specific manipulation to the left mandible. There were no physical therapeutic modalities applied to the jaw. The specific TMJ manipulation used requires a very low-amplitude high velocity thrust parallel to the slope of the articular eminence. The results of this study show mandibular opening distance was returned to normal in addition to the abolition of the patient's TMJ pain and clicking.

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Updated 6-26-2022