Displacement of the upper cervical spine - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

luvtocamp · 04-05-2006, 03:19 PM

I have been seeing a tmj dentist for a year and no matter what he tries I still have the ear issues and face and neck muscle spasm.
I have been reading about if the upper cervicals , mainly the atlas and axis (top two vertebrae) are out of place it can cause tmj like symptoms.
I have an appointment with a upper cervical chiro Fri. I have went to several Chiro consults and they all say yes it can cause many head symptoms.
Anyone ever hear of this. I will let you know how my appoint. goes.

CTmom · 04-05-2006, 08:06 PM

Please let me know what you learn.

I am at the very beginning of getting evaluated for TMJ but have a history of a herniated cervical disc which was removed and fused together with a metal plate and screws. My TMJ symptoms developed shortly after my cervical surgery. In addition to muscle spasms in my jaw, I also get them in my neck. I was wondering about a possible connection.

Thanks!

Thelma-Louise · 04-06-2006, 09:38 PM

I have been seeing a NUCCA or upper cervical (aka orthoganist) chiro for 3 months now and it helped aleviate the pulling or tugging sensation I had on my lower jaw and some of the TMJ symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, head, neck and back pain. But it has not corrected my mis-aligned jaw - which is still very painful. But I would still recommend it along with any other type of physical therapy or cranial sacral therapy. After a very long 2 years of suffering with this problem (and I know there are many, many others that have suffered much, much longer than I), every bit helps.

luvtocamp · 04-07-2006, 02:55 AM

Thelma Louise- Yes thats the type of chiro I'm seeing today. Curious to see what he has to say. I also have been seeing a bioesthetic dentist for my tmj. They have a slightly different view on the treatment of tmj in that they (at least mine) believe in having the front lower teeth touch the backside of the front upper teeth- to send signals to your brain that there are teeth there and also it helps keep the jaw in position. I have an upper denture and lower partial so my dentist said its harder to get the bite right. I think a lot of my problems are in my neck tho, will see today.

I also wanted to add that my bioesthetic dentist works with an oral sx who also believes in the bioesthesthic (they both have TMJD) principle and they don't believe in surgery at all. They seldom even do x-rays or tomograms,as they say it doesn't change the treatment. Treatment is sure a slow process tho, getting those joints in the right position and keeping them there so they can heal.

MLZ · 04-07-2006, 11:29 AM

Ive been considering this, I have found an upper cervical chiro in my city please let me know if it helps you.