Chiropractic treatment of temporomandibular disorders using the activator adjusting instrument: a prospective case series☆

Abstract 

Objective

To determine if there was a basis for the treatment of temporomandibular disease (TMD) using the chiropractic protocol developed by Activator Methods, International.

Setting

Private, solo practice of an Activator advanced proficiency rated chiropractor with 15 years experience.

Design

Prospective case series.

Participants

Nine adult volunteers with articular TMD recruited from the practice of the treating clinician.

Main outcome measures

Change from baseline to follow-up of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and maximum active mouth opening without pain.

Interventions

Full spine and TMJ adjusting in accordance with the advanced protocol of Activator Methods, International. Participants were typically seen 3 times per week for 2 weeks and according to individual progress thereafter for 6 more weeks.

Results

Eight participants completed outcome assessments. The median VAS decrease was 45 mm (range 21-71); all experienced improvement. The median increase of mouth opening was 9 mm (range 1-15); all showed improvement.

Conclusion

The results of this prospective case series indicated that the TMD symptoms of these participants improved following a course of treatment using the Activator Methods, International protocol. Consequently, further investigation of this type of chiropractic treatment for patients with the articular type of TMD is warranted.

Keywords:  Temporomandibular Disorder, Temporomandibular Joint, Chiropractic Manipulation