How a San Leandro Chiropractor Can Relieve TMJ Pain Naturally

August 21, 2026 by drburt

TMJ pain affects thousands of people in the East Bay — including many busy San Leandro families. Jaw clicking, popping, locking, headaches, ear pain, and difficulty chewing can make everyday life miserable. The good news? A skilled San Leandro chiropractor can often provide safe, drug-free relief by addressing the root causes of TMJ dysfunction.

In addition to the physical symptoms, TMJ disorders can also impact emotional well-being. Many individuals experience anxiety and stress due to the chronic pain, leading to a cycle that exacerbates their condition. It’s essential to address both the physical and emotional aspects for comprehensive care.

TMJ pain can significantly impact daily activities and overall well-being. Families with children often find it difficult to manage the pain that can stem from activities like sports or even just stress from school. Understanding the importance of addressing TMJ issues early can help prevent chronic pain down the road.

TMJ disorders can be classified into two main categories: muscular disorders, which affect the muscles around the jaw, and joint disorders, which involve the actual joint itself. Understanding this distinction can help in determining the most effective approach to treatment.

Understanding TMJ pain is crucial for those who experience it. It not only affects your jaw but can have ripple effects throughout your body, influencing your daily activities and overall quality of life. Many patients report a decrease in productivity at work and challenges in social interactions due to discomfort and pain. Exploring various natural TMJ pain relief options can empower those suffering to regain control over their lives.

It’s essential to recognize that TMJ disorders can affect individuals of all ages. Children, teens, and adults are all susceptible to jaw pain. Conditions like bruxism, where individuals grind their teeth, can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, particularly in stressful situations.

In addition to the symptoms mentioned, TMJ disorder can also lead to a range of emotional issues such as anxiety and frustration. Many patients find that their quality of life diminishes due to persistent pain, making it crucial to seek comprehensive care. With chiropractic treatment, individuals can experience improved mental health alongside physical relief, creating a holistic approach to overall well-being.

Understanding the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint can help demystify the pain. The TMJ is surrounded by muscles that control jaw movement, and these muscles can become tense or inflamed due to a variety of factors such as stress, dental issues, or even habitual grinding of teeth. This pain can be exacerbated by lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity, making it essential to consider a comprehensive approach towards treatment.

In addition to common symptoms, TMJ disorder can manifest in unexpected ways. For instance, some patients report experiencing facial swelling or changes in bite alignment. The psychological impact of chronic pain may also lead to anxiety and stress, further complicating the condition. Understanding these broader implications can provide insight into the importance of seeking comprehensive care.

Understanding the anatomy of the TMJ is essential. The temporomandibular joint functions like a sliding hinge, connecting the jawbone to the skull. It is surrounded by muscles and ligaments that facilitate movement. Misalignment in this intricate system can lead to various issues, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What is TMJ Disorder?

Moreover, TMJ disorders often coexist with other conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sleep apnea. Recognizing these coexisting conditions can lead to more effective and holistic treatment strategies.

Another common misconception is that only dental professionals can treat TMJ disorders. However, chiropractors have specialized training to manage the biomechanical aspects of TMJ dysfunction effectively.

There are various factors that contribute to TMJ disorder, including genetics, arthritis, and jaw injuries. It’s crucial to identify any underlying issues that may exacerbate TMD symptoms. For instance, individuals with a family history of jaw disorders may be more susceptible. Awareness of these risk factors can aid in early diagnosis and prevention strategies.

In addition to the techniques outlined, chiropractors may also incorporate therapeutic exercises tailored to strengthen the jaw and neck muscles, which can further enhance the recovery process.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the complex hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become inflamed or misaligned, it leads to TMJ disorder (TMD). Common symptoms include:

Additionally, TMJ disorders can lead to complications such as chronic pain syndromes if left untreated. The relationship between jaw health and overall health cannot be understated. Many patients report improvements not just in jaw pain but also in headaches and neck pain after addressing their TMJ issues.

Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
Headaches or migraines
Earaches or ringing in the ears
Neck and shoulder tension
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

Why Traditional Approaches Often Fall Short

One of the unique aspects of chiropractic care for TMJ is the integration of various treatment modalities. For example, in addition to chiropractic adjustments, some practitioners may incorporate techniques like acupuncture or massage therapy, which can further enhance relaxation and pain relief.

Many people may not realize that TMJ pain can stem from various sources. For instance, factors like teeth grinding often occur during sleep, leading to increased tension on the TMJ. Lifestyle choices, including poor diet and lack of exercise, can also contribute to inflammation and pain. Addressing these underlying causes is essential for effective treatment.

Patients are often encouraged to maintain a journal to track their symptoms and triggers. This practice can provide valuable insights that assist chiropractors in customizing treatment plans for optimal outcomes.

Chiropractic care can also involve the use of heat and cold therapy to help manage inflammation and pain. These modalities can be easily integrated into a patient’s home care routine for ongoing relief.

Many people turn to pain medication, mouth guards, or dental work. While these can help manage symptoms, they frequently overlook a critical connection: the relationship between the jaw, upper neck, and spine. Poor posture from desk work, long commutes on I-880, stress, and even past car accidents can misalign the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2 vertebrae). This misalignment puts abnormal tension on the muscles and nerves connected to the jaw, worsening or even causing TMJ pain.

Chiropractic care offers a multifaceted approach to alleviating TMJ pain. By considering the interconnectedness of the jaw, neck, and spine, chiropractors can help patients experience holistic healing. It’s not just about relieving the symptoms — it’s about identifying and addressing the root causes of TMJ dysfunction. This attention to detail can significantly enhance the quality of care received.

Chiropractors also focus on lifestyle modifications to complement the physical adjustments. Educating patients about ergonomic practices while working, tips for stress management, and promoting a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can lead to improved results. Lifestyle changes can sustain the benefits gained from chiropractic adjustments, leading to better long-term outcomes.

How San Leandro Chiropractic Care Helps Fix TMJ Pain

While traditional methods focus on treating the jaw itself, chiropractic care delves deeper into the interconnectedness of the body. For instance, stress-related bruxism, where individuals grind their teeth, often exacerbates TMJ symptoms. Chiropractors address these underlying factors, promoting relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes that can alleviate tension throughout the body.

Moreover, incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, can help patients manage the stress that often contributes to TMJ symptoms. Stress management is a critical component of a holistic treatment approach.

Ultimately, the goal of chiropractic treatment is to empower patients with knowledge and strategies to manage their condition independently. This includes teaching relaxation techniques and stress management skills that can be incorporated into daily life.

Many clinics also offer workshops that educate patients on the mechanics of TMJ disorders, helping them to understand their condition better and engage more actively in their treatment plans.

Patient success stories highlight the importance of individualized care. For instance, a patient with a history of TMJ pain attributed their significant improvement to a tailored chiropractic plan that addressed both structural and lifestyle factors.

Chiropractors may also provide tailored exercises designed to strengthen the jaw and neck muscles. These exercises can help improve range of motion and reduce the likelihood of future TMJ flare-ups.

If you are considering chiropractic care for TMJ pain, it’s crucial to find a practitioner who understands your unique needs and has a track record of successfully treating similar cases.

Chiropractors trained in TMJ and upper cervical care take a holistic, whole-body approach. Here’s how they help:

Upper Cervical Adjustments
Gentle, precise corrections to the top two vertebrae of the neck restore proper alignment. This reduces nerve irritation and muscle tension that radiates to the jaw.
Jaw (TMJ) Mobilization
Specific manual techniques relax tight jaw muscles and improve joint motion without forceful cracking.
Posture Correction
San Leandro chiropractors address forward head posture and spinal imbalances that contribute to TMJ stress.
Muscle Balance & Trigger Point Therapy
Soft tissue work releases tight masseter, pterygoid, and neck muscles commonly involved in TMJ pain.
Holistic Lifestyle Guidance
Recommendations on nutrition (to reduce inflammation), stress management, ergonomics, and at-home exercises complement the adjustments for longer-lasting relief.

Patient testimonials emphasize the importance of chiropractic care for TMJ treatment. Many individuals have reported transformative experiences where not only did their TMJ pain diminish, but their overall health improved. The personal stories highlight the effectiveness of combining chiropractic adjustments with a commitment to lifestyle changes, reinforcing the idea that healing is a journey.

The holistic approach taken by chiropractors extends beyond physical adjustments. They often integrate therapeutic exercises into their treatment plans, helping to strengthen the jaw and surrounding muscles. Patients are encouraged to perform gentle stretching and strengthening routines at home, which can significantly enhance treatment outcomes.

Many people may not realize that stress-related habits, such as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, can significantly contribute to TMJ pain. These behaviors often occur unconsciously, especially during periods of high stress. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can be effective in reducing these harmful habits and alleviating symptoms.

Additionally, patient education plays a critical role in the chiropractic approach to TMJ dysfunction. Understanding how to perform simple at-home exercises can empower patients to take charge of their health. Exercises aimed at strengthening jaw muscles and improving flexibility can be easily incorporated into daily routines, enhancing the benefits of professional treatment.

As part of your visit, your chiropractor can also suggest lifestyle modifications that can complement your treatment. For instance, dietary changes can impact inflammation levels in the body, which may play a role in TMJ symptoms. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods can help.

Many successful treatment plans also include recommendations for sleep hygiene. Quality sleep is essential for recovery and can influence pain perceptions in the body. Chiropractors may suggest strategies for improving sleep posture and creating a sleep-conducive environment.

Physical therapy can also complement chiropractic care by enhancing mobility and strength in the jaw area. Patients may benefit from guided exercises that target jaw function and help to stretch tight muscles. When combined with chiropractic adjustments, this multi-faceted approach can yield significant improvements in TMJ symptoms.

In conclusion, if you’re experiencing TMJ pain, seeking care from a qualified chiropractor can make a significant difference. They’ll not only address the pain but also work with you to create a comprehensive plan for long-term health and wellness. Don’t hesitate to take that first step toward relief—your jaw and overall health will thank you!

Many patients notice significant improvement in jaw function, reduced headaches, and better sleep within just a few visits.

Benefits of Chiropractic TMJ Treatment

Natural pain relief without medication
Improved jaw mobility and reduced clicking/popping
Fewer tension headaches and migraines
Better posture and overall spinal health
Long-term prevention of recurring issues

What to Expect at Your First Visit in San Leandro?

A quality San Leandro chiropractor will perform a thorough evaluation, including posture analysis, range-of-motion testing, and palpation of the jaw and neck. Many clinics offer gentle, low-force techniques suitable for adults and even teens experiencing TMJ symptoms from sports or screen time. Patient Success Story Example:
“After struggling with jaw pain for over a year, I finally found relief with chiropractic care in San Leandro. My headaches are gone and I can eat normally again!” — Local San Leandro resident

Research has shown that chiropractic care can lead to long-term changes in muscle tone and joint function, resulting in sustained relief from TMJ pain. By focusing on the neurophysiological aspects of pain, chiropractors can help patients develop better coping mechanisms for stress and tension, reducing the likelihood of flare-ups.

Moreover, chiropractors often recommend mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga to manage stress effectively. These practices can help ease muscle tension and promote relaxation, which are crucial for those dealing with TMJ pain. Integrating these techniques into your daily routine can lead to a more holistic approach to pain management.

Ultimately, the decision to explore chiropractic care for TMJ pain should be informed by an understanding of the comprehensive benefits it offers. Beyond immediate pain relief, patients can expect improved functionality, reduced discomfort, and better overall health. Investing in chiropractic care is an investment in long-term wellness and a more fulfilling life.

With numerous natural TMJ pain relief options available in San Leandro, it’s vital to take the first step towards a pain-free life. Many patients find that they can significantly reduce their discomfort through consistent chiropractic treatment combined with lifestyle adjustments.

Is Chiropractic Right for Your TMJ Pain?

To further support your journey to relief, consider engaging with community resources such as support groups or online forums where individuals share their experiences and tips on managing TMJ pain. Building a supportive network can be beneficial in maintaining motivation and finding new ways to cope.

If you’re tired of masking symptoms and want a natural solution, a consultation with a TMJ-experienced chiropractor could be the answer. Early intervention often leads to faster, more complete recovery. Ready to Find Lasting TMJ Relief in San Leandro? Don’t let jaw pain control your life. Whether you live near the San Leandro Marina, Westgate, or downtown, expert chiropractic care is close by.

Book a TMJ Consultation with a San Leandro Chiropractor Today
Limited new patient spots available — schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward pain-free living. Don’t hesitate to reach out and discover how chiropractic care can transform your experience with TMJ pain. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment options and how we can support your journey to recovery.

It’s important to engage in open discussions with your chiropractor about any specific symptoms you’re experiencing. Every patient’s journey is unique, and personalized care plans can greatly enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Comprehensive evaluations that consider lifestyle, work, and personal stressors are essential for tailoring an effective treatment strategy.

In your consultation, be prepared to discuss triggers that may aggravate your TMJ symptoms. Keeping a symptom diary can be beneficial for tracking patterns and identifying potential connections between your daily activities and jaw pain. This information can empower both you and your chiropractor to make informed decisions regarding your treatment plan.

During your first visit, don’t hesitate to discuss all your symptoms, including any emotional stressors that may contribute to your condition. Chiropractors are equipped to provide a supportive environment where you can express your concerns and receive a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

For those who prefer a visual learning approach, there are numerous online resources available, including video demonstrations of TMJ exercises and techniques. Engaging with these materials can enhance your understanding of the condition and empower you to take an active role in your recovery.

Chiropractic care also emphasizes the importance of self-care practices. Patients may receive guidance on mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and even dietary changes that can help reduce inflammation, further supporting their treatment journey.

Educational Resources for TMJ Pain Management
To further assist our patients, we provide access to a variety of resources, including articles, videos, and workshops focused on TMJ pain management and prevention strategies. Understanding your condition is a vital step towards effective treatment, and we aim to empower you with knowledge.

San Leandro Chiropractor and C1 vertebral level and symptoms associated with it

May 11, 2026 by drburt

A C1 (atlas) vertebral misalignment often causes chronic headaches, severe neck pain/stiffness, vertigo, and dizziness due to its close proximity to the brainstem and nerves. This instability can also lead to TMJ pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), fatigue, and postural changes, such as shoulder tilting.

Common Symptoms of C1 Misalignment
Because the C1 vertebra surrounds the brainstem and supports the head, misalignments can cause diverse symptoms:

Headaches and Migraines: Often start at the base of the skull and radiate towards the eyes or temples.
Neck Pain and Reduced Mobility: Persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty turning the head, or a feeling of a “constant knot”.
Neurological Issues: Vertigo, dizziness, and loss of balance, sometimes severe.
TMJ and Facial Pain: Clicking, popping, or jaw pain located near the ear.
Auditory and Visual Disturbances: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), fullness in the ears, or blurred vision.
Nerve Interference Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, or face.
General Dysfunction: Fatigue, brain fog, and sometimes anxiety or sleep disturbances.

Causes and Effects of C1 Misalignment

Atlantoaxial Instability (C1-C2): Injury to ligaments can cause excessive movement between C1 and C2, leading to nerve irritation and vertebral artery compression.
Postural Changes: Misalignment often causes compensatory posture issues, including head tilt, uneven shoulders, or a “short leg” phenomenon.
Reduced Blood Flow: Misalignment can affect blood flow to the brain, contributing to “brain fog” or vertigo.

If you suspect a C1 misalignment, it is advised to consult your local chiropractor

Pelvic Tilt, Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Symptoms

January 27, 2016 by drburt

Pelvic Tilt, Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Symptoms

Balance is the key of life the Chinese called it Yin and Yang. The human body is always seeking homeostasis and when out of balance disease and pain will consume you. It is only until balance is restored the body can heal properly. Human structure needs to be balanced from all 3 planes. In static posture and also in movement. Obviously we are asymmetrical beings and perfect alignment will never exist, but we must strive to be as close as possible or problems will exist later on down the road as we age. Also spine is a gravity depending structure. When sacrum and pelvis are off the rest of the spine will be off. Fix the foundation and the rest of the symptoms will disappear.
In the picture above we are looking at the balance of the pelvis from the front and back specifically the relationship between the quads and hams. In the first picture we have a neutral pelvis where the quads and hams are well balanced. In the second picture the pelvis is imbalanced due to the shortening of the quads which led to the lengthening of the hamstring. In technical terms the quads are concentrically loaded and the hams are eccentrically loaded causing an anterior pelvic tilt. Now that the pelvis is imbalanced symptoms of tight hamstring, lower back pain, upper back pain, tight traps, neck pain, headaches etc… will emerge. Until we balance the pelvis symptoms will continually plague the individual.

Our spine has three curves in it: One in the low back called the lumbar curve; one in the upper to mid-back called the thoracic curve; and a curve in our neck called the cervical curve. These curves influence one another. If something is off balance in one, the other two will also be out of balance.Since the spine rests on the pelvis, the curves of the spine are also influenced by the position of the pelvis.

Key to skeletal balance, a sense of orientation and muscular coordination, the balanced pelvis forms a rim-like base for the spinal vertebrae, rib cage, shoulder girdle and head.

Like the sprout growing up to form leaves and down to become roots; pelvic core integrity expresses itself in two directions simultaneously. The pelvic basin is responsible for not only being the base of support for the upper body but for transferring weight through the femur heads down through the knees, ankles and feet. How weight transfers through each leg and foot is dependent upon the positioning of the pelvic basin. Only when the pelvis is gravitationally centred can the feet receive and distribute weight evenly.

Pelvic instability shows itself as pelvic tilts, forward flexion, twists, dips or torques. Symptoms associated with instability include mid and low back pain, hip socket tension, leg length discrepancies, knee and ankle problems, TMJ and jaw pain, difficulty in breathing, groin pain, shoulder pain, difficulty in standing and walking, an inability to stand on both feet and excessive muscle tension throughout the body. Even headaches and dizziness may be traced to pelvic instability.

These diverse and complex symptoms reflect the innate involvement of the pelvis with three distinct bio-rhythms. Not only does the pelvic keystone provide the foundation for muscular-skeletal support but it cradles the meningeal-cranial-sacral system (the dynamic fluid relationship between sacrum and cranium) and provides the hard drive for the proprioceptive nervous system (our energetic sense of orientation).

TMJ And Neck Pain, Need Help With San Leandro Chiropractic Care

March 2, 2011 by drburt

This blog post is based via interaction on the AskDrBurt a Question Blog. This is a real case, real patient who is searching for a solution to his never ending pain. It is a very long post and if you are a health care practitioner feel free to add your professional advice in a comment area. If you are a reader, and also have health related problems without a solution from your current medical practitioner please contact me via AskDrBurt a Question?

Thanks for the very concise and informative blogs Dr. Burt! I would like to ask for advice on presenting my symptoms to health care providers. I have been suffering TMJ symptoms for at least two decades if not more, but none of my health care providers wanted to consider TMJ disorder as a cause. Instead they seem to dismiss the idea and only treat symptoms when they’ve become severe and pretty blatantly obvious. Background/History:

1. Had a fall at age 10 (I’ll be 40 this year) that fractured/dislocated my jaw. No treatment at the time, as it appeared the injury would self heal and any manipulation might affect growth. Since that fall my jaw has always locked, popped,and grinded. It is also very small and my lower teeth have always been crowded.

2. Had ‘braces’ from age 12-14, doc seemed to push my lower jaw back when fitting a bite position for me, and it was always uncomfortable. My lower teeth are extremely crowded and within 2 months after removal of braces/retainer several of the teeth moved back again due to crowding, affecting any hope of a normal bite.

3. Have had significant tinnitus and frequent unexplained ear aches and jaw pains for years. Was told in early 2000’s that I grind my teeth very loudly at night.

4. In 2005 I cracked a 2nd to back/upper molar by night grinding. Began wearing a ‘boil and bite’ mouth guard’ (haven’t had dental insurance, didn’t prioritize or couldn’t afford a custom guard).

5. In 2006, I cracked a lower 2nd/back molar, and had to have it crowned. Still wearing a mouth guard, I cracked both the temp crown and the permanent crown through night grinding.

6. Bought a tempurpedic matress topper and tempurpedic cervical pillow in hopes the highly recommended product/brand would alleviate some of the grinding. It has helped and improved sleep quality too!

6. After that experience, I gave up caffeine, stopped any gum chewing (never was much for it anyhow), began eating organics, regular yoga and massage, and between 06 and present consulted with a family therapist for work stresses as needed. I do regular cervical stretches (provided by physical therapist) get massages and do TMJ self-massages. Life is very low stress right now (got my masters in 2010 and it’s my only debt, woohoo!) but my symptoms continue to worsen, which is pretty stressful as now I’m in constant pain. I am very fit and active, but very gentle on my neck/head with any activities. Unfortunately I’ve had to eliminate all but gentle stretching over the last 6 months due to neck/jaw/upper trap muscle spasms.

7. In 2008, after suffering pain, burning and numbness in my face, neck, shoulder, arms and hands, with loss of fine motor skills in my hands/fingers, I was diagnosed with a completely dessicated C-6/7 and a nerve-compressing herniation at 5/6. Orthopod performed dual discectomy and fusion with plate and screws. He informed me my pain tolerance was very high and I should be cautious of anything ‘uncomfortable’ vs. letting things become painful before seeking medical care. He tried Flexeril (and then Amrix), Mobic, and Vicodin as needed for 3 months before surgery. I asked if I would participate in physical therapy after surgery, but he said no the surgery should fix everything. There was no trauma, no accident, no specific injury that lead to this situation. Doc even diagnosed ‘undetermined’ for the cause. Seems a bit unusual to do that much damage and not want to find or diagnose a cause?!?

8. About 6 months later I began noticing the return of the hypertonacity in my SCM, levators,UT, and rhomboids. Last summer I gave up working out all together (other than stretches), my doctor put me on flexeril, which did very little for 6 months. In December she sent me to physical therapy (severe loss of range of motion in side to side neck movements, and severe loss of motor functioning in my hands with new burning/numbness). PT performed chiropractic manipulations from the thoracic region up to my c-spine, a minimal (maybe 2-3 minutes max) amount of muscle manipulation (the area directly to either side of my spine, thoracic up to c-spine), and traction 3x a week for 6 weeks. He also gave me some shoulder stabilizing exercises which did provide great and quick relief to a quickly rounding posture. I continue those at home. The PT provided temporary relief of the symptoms in my hands/arms but the neck/jaw/upper back symptoms remained, and any week that I was not able to get

all 3 sessions (Christmas and New Years the office closed), my symptoms came back within 3-4 days. 2 weeks after the end of PT, I was back to my original limitations and pain.

Last week my primary sent me for X-ray (TMJ specific) and a new C-spine MRI. She also ordered a TMJ specific MRI but that has not yet been scheduled. Waiting for the doc to call for my follow up post radiologist report. A good friend of mine is a radiologist in CA, so I sent him a copy of my films, and anecdotally (as a friend and I realize it’s not considered the best practice) he noted what appears to be a significant herniation at C-3/4 on the MRI. The x-rays were not of very good quality and he suggested I may need new films, but he said it was clear that my disc is no longer recognizable in the TMJ joints, there is significant condyle (sp) degredation and evidence of adhesions.

In addition, I have been treated at the same dentist office by 2 dentists since 2008 and have always asked about my jaw issues, and noted that the only way the dentist could even work on my back teeth was for me to manually dislocate my jaw to open it wide enough. My dentist has been replacing amalgam fillings with composite to ensure better strength of those teeth that formed cavities in my childhood (havent’ had a cavity since 1982). At one point, my original dentist stated she wanted me to see a maxillo facial surgeon before completing my work, the last of which was to replace the crown I destroyed in 06 (yes, I dealt with the searing sensitivity of a ‘nub’ for 5 years..I can tolerate a significant amount of pain, and I have always been VERY particular with my dental care). She left the practice before finishing the work, and my new dentist avoided the subject on several occasions when I mentioned the referral. He said ‘we don’t refer unless things are bad’…to which I let him know my history of symptoms, self treatment, and injury from ‘unknown cause’. His reaction ‘yeah, wow that IS kind of bad”. End of discussion. He encouraged me to have the last crown placed, despite my voicing concerns that it would increase TMJ grinding, but he said it wouldn’t be a problem if he gave the crown a low profile. He was absolutely wrong. I have had to go back for 2 sessions of dental work where the crown surface was lowered, and the two teeth surrounding the crown, and one on the top jaw have also needed reduced as they are not under greater pressure with the new crown placement.

The only consistency in 30 years has been the night bruxism. The rest of my spine is happy and healthy, and symptoms have progressively radiated from the TMJ area down my head, neck and arms.

I apologize for the mini-novel, and if you can give any guidance I will be extremely grateful. I’m at the end of my wits as to why practitioners continually ignored that something was at the root of my symptoms as the symptoms have been significant. I now am wondering what can possibly be done if 3/4 is severely herniated as I already have 3 vertabra fused in my C spine?!? I don’t want to become disabled or severely limited, and if that’s the case I’m beyond frustrated that none of my practitioners ‘stepped up’ to give this proper attention. Any suggestion made by a practitioner has been followed to a T, but those have been rare. As of late, I started seeing a new primary and she is very interested in helping me come to the root of my symptoms, thank goodness.

I feel I am articulate (sorry, I know verbose fits this note as well) intelligent, patient, motivated, very healthy, active, self-aware, avoid any and all medications unless necessary, and find preventative care (such as healthful living, stress reduction, massage, chiropractic, etc) to be the best way to lead a healthy life.

So, how can I share this succinctly with practitioners as we go forward in the process of discovering a cause and hopefully finding solutions for the cause vs. remedying damaging and continual symptoms? I don’t want to sound whiny or self-involved, but after 30 years of this, and at least 10 years of being handed off to someone else or some other practitioner….only to utilize their every resource and still have issues (hello, TMJ disorder anyone?) I’ve lived through more pain, limitation and frustration than a person should expect in this day and age with our advanced medical system.

Thank you so very much for your time. I appreciate any advice. Confidentiality and discretion is also appreciated 🙂

Dr. Burt’s Answer:

Got your message via AskDrBurt a question. Long history of problems that have been avoided, ignored or misdiagnosed in the past. My main concern is the surgery that was performed on your cervical spine. Post surgical scar tissue formation is the main cause of excessive pain in your cervical spine. No Post Surgical rehabilitation was performed, such s physical therapy. I do not understand how come your surgeon said:”The surgery will fix the problem.” WOW. Limited ROM is making things even worse in your neck. Intervertebral discs stop getting their nutrition the moment the two adjacent vertebraes stop moving – process called imbibition. Solution – life long manual cervical distraction and maintaining whatever is left of a cervical lordosis. I have couple of products on my blog that would be of a great benefit to you. If you are interested I could send you direct links and you can evaluate them.

TMJ – TMJ is very closely related to a cervical spine. There is a close neurological relationship between TMJ and Cervical Vertebral Joints. The question is – did your jaw healed properly after it was fractured? If yes, then there is still some hope in correcting by special cranial work (S.O.T. technique – Sacro Occipital Technique) It is very hard for me to provide more recommendations as I would actually need to see, examine, evaluate and make my own diagnosis with areas of concern. Doctors of Chiropractic look at the health related problems from the causation point of view and not symptoms point of view. Find the cause and the problem will be fixed. Feel free to ask any additional questions. Perhaps by helping to find the proper solution to your problem is going to be the first step, second would be to find the proper health care practitioners.

PS: Would you like me to post your health history and the problems that you had with previous doctors on my blog? can keep your name confidential if you like, so no one will know who you are. This will open a door to many other health care providers reading your story and possibly commenting and adding valuable advice to your health related problem.

Talk to you later

Reader’s Response:

Wow, thank you so much for your prompt response! I couldn’t agree more with your statement that fixing the cause usually resolves the symptoms, and that is my main mission now.

Unfortunately, the jaw was never re-evaluated after the initial fracture/dislocation at age 10. If I had to estimate, I would say ‘no’ as that’s precisely when the popping, locking, grinding sounds upon movement began.

Considering I only have the axis, atlas, 3 and 4 discs left in my c-spine (not sure I got the anatomy properly identified with those terms) I have always done as much to keep range of motion functional post surgery. 2×3 times a day I use a heat pack (dry rice wrapped in flannel) stretching under warm shower, and PT generated cervical stretches (I also use a stretching strap, theracane, pro-stretch for calves and mini-tough tennis ball to roll the balls of my feet, and a foam roller for myofascia release), and now spend most of my time at a standing desk, as only standing and flat supine laying down do not cause significant pain/numbness….if it can help, and it’s not surgical or drugs, I’m willing to try it. Please do send me links to the products you mentioned and I will determine if they are within my budget. Unfortunately I’ve not been able to work much due to the pain and the limited amount of time I can spend seated during travel, ugh!

Another concern….should I be wary of the x-rays recently taken…as the tech had me lie in a prone position and placed my head on what was like a slightly inclined podium on the x-ray table? How could joint position possibly be properly evaluated since I have a hard time with ROM on rotation, and the pressure point ended up right ON the TMJ area? Tech had to take 5 attempts on the left side, 8 on the right. In addition the MRI tech decided against the deliberately ordered contrast for the MRI, and there appears to be a black blurred area around my fusion and above due to the titanium. I would certainly have traveled to a larger metropolitan area if I had the funds available, but as an entrepreneur I’m without health insurance at present. I KNOW things will get better, I KNOW this will pass.

I suppose it can’t be too terribly invasive to post my information after removing identity…please feel free to edit anything as you see fit if it will make it more relevant to other practitioners.

I understand you cannot evaluate beyond the anecdotal information but I cannot tell you how absolutely grateful I am for your consideration and suggestions.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your reply, suggestions and care. If there is anything I can do to promote your business, your blog (through my blog) or your products please do not hesitate to share that process with me. I will oblige and remain extremely grateful.

Attached the x-ray taken a few weeks after the fusion 09 June 2008. What lordosis, ha!?! Sorry that IS humor albeit sarcasm…if we can’t laugh at ourselves…… ;0)

Very Gratefully,

Reader wished to keep his identity anonymous.

Dr. Burt’s Answer:

Hello again,

I agree with you 100% that your X-Ray tech just radiated you for nothing. Spine is a weight bearing structure and responds to weight bearing stresses. You could see better what is going with the spine when you shoot X-Rays in a standing position. Full spine X-Ray is an optimal if possible. Lower back problems are related to your neck problems. Every single subluxation and curve in a cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine must be taken into consideration in order to achieve the best results possible. I would not expose myself a second time to an additional dose of radiation at this point and time. The is still a small presence of cervical lordosis which is a positive sign. There is nothing that can be done at this point and time with your lower cervical spine. Sorry to say, but too much damage has been done by your orthopedic surgeon. The goal at this point is to keep the vertebraes and IVD (Intervertebral discs) from degenerating farther. If I would be you I would get these two products: #1. Bodyline BDL127 The Neck Decompressor and #2 Posture Pro Corp. POS107 Deluxe Full Spine Posture Pump Model 4100

Neck Decompressor will keep your IVD healthy and Posture Pump will help to keep cervical and lumbar lordosis in order. I use these products on myself and the members of family.

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