Temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A consequence of whiplash-injury
How many people who have whiplash also have jaw problems?
Whiplash causes both neck problems and jaw problems. To treat the jaw problem, you must also treat the neck problem. They are linked by reflexes. This study done on 187 people with whiplash injuries.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18836693
BACKGROUND: In 10-20% of patients with a simple whiplash-injury without severe structural lesions, a chronification of the complaints occurs. The question is whether some unidentified pathogenic factors exist. SCIENTIFIC QUESTION: Investigations have demonstrated that mandibular and head-neck movements are coordinated and centrally controlled and that a craniocervical dysfunction (CCD) can lead to a temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) by reflex action and vice versa. This study investigated whether a whiplash-injury can lead to a TMD. METHODS AND RESULTS: IA total of 187 patients with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) were examined for TMD. Simple tests with and without loading of the mandible were used to initially diagnose TMD and the diagnosis was confirmed electrophysiologically. TMD could be verified in all patients with WAD. According to these investigations a CMD was regularly found in patients with WAD and relief from suffering can often not be achieved without treatment of the CMD.
So, how many people who have whiplash also have jaw problems? Answer: All of them.
Chiropractic care helps people recover from whiplash injuries not only by working on the spine, but also by working on the jaw joint itself. If the TMJ is not responsive to the tools that we use in our chiropractic office, we refer to musculoskeletal dentists who have other approaches to restore structure and mobility to the jaw.
Todd Lloyd, DC
Whiplash and Spinal Trauma chiropractor in St. George, UT
Even if your auto accident seemed minor because of slow speeds or little damage to your vehicle, that doesn’t mean injury did not occur. At just 10mph, the body can be subjected to a force of 5 to 10 G’s. The force of 10 G’s is greater than a fighter pilot would experience during aerial combat.
Independent studies show that your body can violently move back and forth 6 to 10 times the speed your auto was going at time of impact. In other words, a 5-10 mph crash, your neck can move at 50 to 100 miles per hour! This is how G force can cause serious injuries at even low speeds.
Even those involved in low-speed accidents should see their chiropractor to rule out a whiplash injury that, if left untreated, can have ramifications for years.