Joint Complex Dysfunction

Seaman, D.R. Joint complex dysfunction, a novel term to replace subluxation/subluxation complex: etiological and treatment considerations. JMPT 1997;20 (9).

“Research suggests that a reduction in mechanoreceptor afferent input can result in the development of symptoms that can be identified in the clinical setting. For example, de Jong et al. injected human subjects with lidocaine in the area halfway between the mastoid process and carotid tubercle at the level of the second and third cervical vertebrae. Injections were made unilaterally. Immediately after injection, symptoms of dysequilibrium began to appear. Symptoms included ataxia, hypotonia of the ipsilateral arm and leg and strong sensation of ipsilateral falling or tilting.”
“Symptoms lasted about an hour. Authors suggested that the lidocaine injections interrupted the flow of afferent information from neck joint and muscle receptors and affected vestibular nuclei function which promoted the vestibular symptoms.”




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