MRI Results - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Suzq222 · 08-31-2006, 03:03 PM

The other day I saw a neurologist because of my new problem-a pinched nerve. As he was looking at the mri I had last week he showed me that in addition to my pinched nerve my neck does not have much curve at all, it's almost straight. I was wondering if this had any effect on the tmj problem I'm also dealing with? I have constant muscle spasms in my neck and face. Could an uncurved neck have anything to do with it? The doctor didn't really address the tmj question because I was there for the pinched nerve. Has any one heard of this?

Thelma-Louise · 08-31-2006, 08:09 PM

I was told I lost the "S" curve to my cervical spine - the neck or throat area. Not sure if it caused my tmj or vice versa. Does your head lean in a forward posture position as well? With the onset of my tmj symptoms one of the first things I noticed was a change in the appearance of my neck and clavical or collar bone area. It just looked different - kind of elongated or skinny but longer some how. It finally looks like it is back to what it was after 2 yrs of chiro treatments. My understanding from the 2 chiros that treated me is that without the natural curve and sufficient space between the discs that separate the vertebrae the central nervous system is strained and this casues pain and mucle spasms. You may want to look for a NUCCA or Upper Cervical chiro in your area. My 2nd chiro was a NUCCA chiro and his treatments did a lot for me - more so than the regular chiro's did. What did the neuro recommend to correct it?

Suzq222 · 09-01-2006, 07:32 AM

The neuro just mentioned the straight spine as he was going over my mri. He didn't say anything else about it and only talked about treating my pinched nerve. It wasn't until after I got home and started thinking about what he said and wondering what it had to do with the whole picture. I will look into chiro treatment as you mentioned. I did see a chiro at one point, not sure if he's a NUCCA (by the way, what's the difference and how do you find that specific one?), but stopped after he wanted to treat my "sinus problems"-I'm late 40's and have never had a sinus problem in my life.

shorty82 · 09-01-2006, 03:05 PM

I also have a straight spine, with compression of the atlas. My opening for my vertebral artery is only about 3mm, supposed to be 7-8. I have an open anterior bite (I believe that's what it's called) which has caused all my tmj problems, which in turn has caused my neck muscles to tighten up and spasm which supposedly is what has cause my neck to go straight. Doing some therapy now, but not real sure what i'm supposed to do or if it will get better....

Thelma-Louise · 09-01-2006, 05:33 PM

A NUCCA (Nat'l Upper Cervical Chiro Assoc.), Upper Cervical Chiro's aka Orthoganists specialize and only treat the Atlas or C1 verterbrae. You can check the web for any of those 3 and should find a site that lists a dr in your area although supposedly there are not many in the US - not sure how valid that claim is. I believe what distinguishes a NUCCA chiro from a regular chiro is that again they only adjust the atlas and secondly it is done based on precise measurements determined from an xray, whereas a regular chiro only visually reviewes the space in between the verterbrae and bases his adjustments on that. I think the NUCCA adjustments to the atlas tend to be more precise. I am sure both types would equally argue theirs is the better method but since I have been treated by both and based on my experience I would have to say if the problem is due to the atlas or upper cervical spine NUCCA treatments provide faster and better relief.