Temporomandibular Disorder Treated With Chiropractic Therapy

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common and affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding musculoskeletal tissues. Although traditional rehabilitative treatments such as physiotherapy, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and electrotherapy effectively manage TMDs, chiropractic therapy is emerging as a promising non-invasive treatment option. We report a 39-year-old female patient with TMD who underwent chiropractic therapy, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercise rehabilitation. After four weeks of treatment, the patient reported a complete resolution of symptoms and an improved quality of life score. Thereafter, the patient continued chiropractic treatment monthly for six months, during which she reported no symptoms and demonstrated improvements in her spinal range of motion, open-mouth anatomy, and cervical lordosis. This case study highlights the efficacy of applying an interdisciplinary approach to treating TMD and the potential of chiropractic therapy as a valuable treatment option for managing TMD.

Trigeminal somatosensation in the temporomandibular joint and associated disorders

“…Lidocaine, which blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels ( 72 ); NSAIDs, which inhibit cyclooxygenase in peripheral tissue ( 73 ); opioids, which also have peripheral targets ( 74 ); botulinum toxins, which can act at the neuromuscular junction, autonomic ganglia, postganglionic parasympathetic nerve endings, and postganglionic sympathetic nerve endings ( 75 ); are all drugs that inhibit the transfer of pain from the periphery to the central nervous system. Physical therapy, including, but not limited to thermal ultrasound, chiropractic therapy, craniomandibular therapy, and exercise rehabilitation ( 76 , 77 ), have been shown to partially and/or completely remedy symptoms in some forms of TMD excluding systemic or whiplash-related TMD ( 78 , 79 ). The effectiveness of these peripheral treatments indicates that a portion of TMD cases associated with pain may stem from somatosensory activation (e.g., nociceptors).…”

Recognizing Hong Kong Chiropractors’ Sick Leave Authority: Valuing a Conservative Approach to Workers’ Compensation

“…Chiropractors in Hong Kong utilize manual techniques such as spinal manipulation and soft tissue mobilization to address musculoskeletal dysfunction and reduce pain [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. According to a 2013 survey undertaken by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, more than half (53.6%) of the 33,700 individuals who received chiropractic care had previously tried other forms of treatment.…”

“…[3] Chiropractors in Hong Kong are legally authorized to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. As conservative spine specialists and primary care practitioners, numerous studies have reported that chiropractors in Hong Kong provide non-invasive care for prevalent neuromusculoskeletal conditions and injuries [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. However, their inability to officially certify patients' incapacity limits the utility of chiropractic services.…”