post whiplash jaw pain

Pseudo (false) jaw pain can commonly occur after an automobile accident and be misdiagnosed in most part because that type of pain often arises from the neck...a very common complaint post rear end collision. A patient I saw recently related that after her auto accident she saw her dentisit complaining of jaw pain with headaches. After diagnosing her as having TMJ disorder he recommended a splint and anti-inflammatory medication. Her jaw pain and headaches became worse and at a friends suggestion she came to be under our care.Upon further evaluation we discovered that she was experiencing referred pain actually from the neck, and began treatment specifically for that. She now is 80% improved, without headaches and very happy she began chiropractic care after her motor vehicle accident...so you see sometimes you have to look outside the box!!