M. Tech. / Purpose: Many studies have shown the effect of treatment of the cervical spine on parts distant to the spine itself, which are linked anatomically, biomechanically or neurologically, e.g. the temporomandibular joint (Curl, 1994). Curl (1994) reports a neurological link between the cervical spine and the temporomandibular joint, and Reggars (1994) reports a biomechanical link between the temporomandibular joint and cervical spine. These links may affect the cervical spine when adjusting the temporomandibular joint. For these reasons, further study is necessary to establish the possibility of temporomandibular joint involvement in the formation of neck pain, and the possibility of chiropractic manipulative therapy delivered to the temporomandibular joint as a successful alternative treatment for neck pain. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustment of the temporomandibular joint, compared to cervical spine adjustment of the upper cervical spine as a treatment form for neck pain, with regards to pain, disability and cervical spine range of motion. Method: This study consisted of two groups of 15 participants between the ages of eighteen to thirty-five, similar in age and gender ratios. The potential participants were examined and accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The method of treatment administered to each participant was determined by group allocation. Group 1 received chiropractic adjustment techniques delivered to the temporomandibular joint and group 2 received cervical spine adjustment techniques delivered to restrictions of the upper cervical spine.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:2335 |
| Date | 04 June 2012 |
| Creators | Smilkstein, Steven Mark |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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