Expert: John Quackenbush DC - 7/2/2010

Question
Hi
I would love some advice on how how serious my condition is and where to go. I think I'm suffering from a jaw displacement for the last 3 months its been ruining my life. There's dramatic change in the in how I feel when I move my jaw to the left or right. For instance when I moved my jaw to the left while vibrate massaging it (slightly pushing it) and I can think clear - repeating something in my head. However when I tried pushing it the other way I can not repeat anything, like its a blank - completely. I thought it was simply the vibrating on my head but when I pushed it back (while vibrating) the to the left I could think fine and felt great! My problem is I am continueally confused and distressed. I also burping often and the pressure of the gas on my jaw seems to be affecting the confusion - when released I can think clearer and I'm less distress. I also have shortness of breath and It the burping feels similar to choking sensation. Every time I breath it's like when I exhale I feel the pressure of choking and distress increase - and then when I swallow and burp it releases it???
To be precise when I simply move my jaw over to the right (with jaw muscles), not only can I not repeat things but its like a massive distress and I shake my head in reaction to try and get rid of it. I can actually start shaking and although I'm not consciously nervous I am feel like panicking. This happens every time - but when I push it over to the left I improve dramatically, feeling great and I can easily think (repeating things in my head), I can also breath deeper. I have using my jaw and neck muscles incorrectly for the last few months. I'm not anxious about things I just can't seem to struggle thinking with the acute confusion and distress. Other things that help is antiseptic throat soothers and heat cream.

Like I said my jaw is heavily out of place and I improve immensely when I hold it over to the left but obviously I can't continuously hold it there. I will get it x-rayed but that will take 2 weeks as its booked out. Should we at least see a dentist, chiropractor, general doctor or go to hospital?

I'd also like to know if you think it's a physical or mental origin - if I'm just making it up in my head or if it is a physical un-alignment affecting the cerebrospinal fluid or something. I know people with TMJ can have chemical imbalances and I'm not sure how serious it is? Right now I'm struggling to live a normal life - due to the massive confusion and distress - any help is appreciated greatly.

Thanks

Answer
Marcus,

Your condition is a serious one to say the least! I have seen several cases where the jaw known as the TMJ Temperomandibular Joint is subluxated and causes a myriad of symptoms. The symptom complex you are suffering with seems quite extensive but I would say that this is definitely not in your head. There is a disc within the TMJ that has thousands of nerve fibers and to this day new things are being discovered about the TMJ.

First and foremost you have to get a panoramic view xray of your entire jaw before anybody touches it and that goes for MD or DC. I would also try to find a dentist and chiropractor who specializes in the TMJ.

The dentist will be able to take the xray and asses your TMJ for any pathological process and then take those x rays and get to a chiropractor.

I do not think you should wait for the other facility to give you an appointment this is very important to take care of this matter immediately if not sooner.

I hope this sheds some light on your question.

Sincerely,
Dr John Q Quackenbush
www.drqdc.com
Phoenix Chiropractic Physician