Research News Staff
New Research on Jaw Pain & Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Shown to Help

Recent research reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research showed improvements in chronic jaw pain following after chiropractic adjustments to the neck. “Research is revealing that there is a relationship between structural abnormalities in the spine and problems like TMJ pain in the jaw.” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

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Research has shown that the muscles, joints and nerves that control jaw function rely on normal spinal structural integrity and joint movement. Complex neurological communication and pathways involved in how the jaw works are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways. 

McCoy stated “Abnormal spinal alignment and posture also increase stress and strain to the face, head and jaw. It is a rare phenomenon for resolution of these abnormalities in the absence of intervention. However, there is literature that supports the effectiveness of chiropractic to restore a healthy spinal alignment and motion according to the research, thereby lowering the risk of chronic pain, degeneration, and poor health. 

The woman reported on in this research study injured her jaw and broke several teeth a few years before experiencing constant jaw pain.  Her jaw pain was sharp, deep, and getting worse.  Movement, sleeping, and straining really irritated it and medication did not solve her problem. 

The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck and upper back.  She had postural changes, pain at the jaw, tight muscles, and a right sided body lean.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic care, her symptoms improved dramatically.  She could now eat without pain, her posture improved and she reported standing up straighter. 

The study’s authors called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this patient population.

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research
http://www.uppercervicalsubluxation.com
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com
McCoy Press