Neck Solutions

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction : A consequence of whiplash injury

From: HNO. 2008 Oct 3; [Epub ahead of print] [Article in German]

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. Investigations have demonstrated that mandibular and head and neck movements are coordinated and centrally controlled and that a craniocervical neck dysfunction can lead to a temporomandibular joint dysfunction by reflex action and vice versa. This study investigated whether a whiplash injury can lead to a temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A total of 187 patients with whiplash associated disorders were examined for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Simple tests with and without loading of the mandible were used to initially diagnose temporomandibular joint dysfunction and the diagnosis was confirmed electrophysiologically. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction could be verified in all patients with whiplash associated disorders. According to these investigations a craniocervical neck dysfunction was regularly found in patients with whiplash associated disorders and relief from suffering can often not be achieved without treatment of the craniocervical neck dysfunction.