• Blum CL
• Globe G

• Association of Chiropractic Colleges / congresses

METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with groups of dentists specializing in the treatment of TMD, and the consistent request from the vast majority was the need for a tool to guide them in determining which patient’s would best benefit from chiropractic co-treatment. Based on the preliminary interviews and a review of existing valid and reliable measures, a preliminary assessment tool that measures five domains was developed. The domains are musculoskeletal manifestations; the patient’s perception of pain; somaticization of psychological stress; physiological reserves to deal with stress; and the patient’s self-reported quality of life. The preliminary assessment tool is composed of three instruments. The SF-12is included, which is a general measure of health status. The general symptom survey for musculoskeletal dysfunction determines if the patient has had a history or is currently suffering from headaches, neck, shoulder, hand, lower back, knee, or foot pain. Finally, the functional evaluation form tests proprioceptive abilities, static and dynamic postural balance tests, and cervical ranges of motion.

DISCUSSION: The interviewed dental professionals observed that posture can be a determinant of occlusion functionality outcomes in some of their patients. They have identified a need for an assessment instrument that would help them to identify patients who may be at risk so that referral could be made before the initiation of occlusion modification. The goal of the assessment form, which includes functional analysis tests, is to help determine which “appropriate situations” or conditions are best for referral for chiropractic care. While the selected assessment instruments were not originally developed or validated for their predictive capabilities, they are posited to measure health domains that may have some transferability to measuring predictive factors associated with the development of musculoskeletal reactions secondary to dental TMJ treatment. As new data becomes available, this instrument will be modified to reflect improved understanding of predictive elements. Concomitant with the development of a predictive assessment tool is the process goal of expanding interdisciplinary dialogue, which may help lead to standardization of TMJ dysfunction terminology and a “common language.”

CONCLUSION: A starting point is needed and a reasonable attempt has been made to begin the daunting process of developing an instrument that would help inform dentists as to which patients may be likely to become symptomatic to peripheral musculoskeletal regions secondary to occlusion modification.

This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher.