Question
Hi there Dr. Durin, i found you over at (ask the dc.)I'm cindy.(bad neck cindy) I will try to keep it short. A case for the books they all say.  at Age 40, wisdom tooth removed. dentist dislocated my jaw right out of the socket and pushed an already bad neck over the edge. Mainly the Atlas.I'm told i had a brain injury and sympathetic nervous system injured also.So injured i was hallcinating, foaming and crawling on the floor. Stayed that way for two years. End up at a chiropracter who finally who found it.Ok 7 years later under his care, i am managable. Severe Reverse curve, my chiropracter says my head is 100% off, jaw is pretty much trained now, but still hurts,all my neck bones and discs xray pretty healthy, no herniations,or no arthritis, just crooked. Upper neck atlas goes forward and up on the right, somehow takes both jaws and shifts them with it.i have full body adjustments,  where you probably know i have the classic bad hip, lumbar and the shorter leg. My neck will NOT hold. I have tried everything. I have tried exercises, vitamins, nutrition, a cervical collar(bad)you name it. everyone is on the case but with no luck.the neurological symptoms coming from the neck and jaw are driving me nuts. everything you can imagine from vision to ears to sensations, to things i cant describe.I can live with the great care my chiropracter has given me, he supports me in EVERY way, but have you got any ideas to make this neck hold. when it does, i get better pretty fast. Any ideas? i dont think i would ever do the surgery thing. Very pleased to meet you by the way! thanks cindy

Answer
Hi Cindy,

You have quite an interesting situation, a head scratcher for sure.:)

Atlas instability will certainly ruin your day, luckily making one loose is extremely difficult. Once it is jarred loose, the ligaments that hold it in place stay loose. Just like an ACL tear in the knee, no amount of time will make the ligament tight again, so strengthening the secondary supportive musculature is paramount. Full isometrically balanced cervical strengthening excersises may help stabilize the Atlas.
Since this is such a rare injury, finding a good kinesiological protocol that works may prove difficult. I would love to see lateral bending APOM cervical films on you, this will show the level of instability along with flexion/extension films. What we look for is movement of the DENS and the change in the ADI(atlantodental interspace).

I know you are looking for a fix not a treatment, looking over your posts reveal some success with acupuncture/pressure secondary to an earring. This only works while wearing it so finding something permanent is understandable. I am not a big fan of fringe science so auricular therapy and other unproven treatments don't impress me but I have an open mind. If it works and there are no negative side effects than I see no reason not to continue.
The trochanter belt previously recommended by Dr. K is a good idea, specific exercises based on need secondary to Atlas instability is also key. If possible, I would like to see the x-rays taken, the report will do for now. This will ensure all the proper x-rays were taken.

You may want to ask Dr. Leathermann and Dr. Gillman(here on allexperts in Chiro section) what they think, I greatly respect both of their opinions which may yield additional insight on possible answers.


Keep in touch!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com