Understanding the Connection Between Dental Occlusion and Posture from a Chiropractic Perspective

For many years, chiropractors have observed intriguing links between the spine and the jaw. The term “Lovett Brothers” is often used in chiropractic circles to describe the relationship between specific vertebrae in the lumbar and cervical spine. This connection extends beyond the spine itself, reaching into the pelvis and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which plays a crucial role in jaw movement. The Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT), developed by Major B. DeJarnette, highlights this relationship by focusing on the sacrum and occiput bones to diagnose and treat various conditions. Understanding how dental occlusion—the way teeth come together—affects posture is essential for chiropractors and dentists working together to provide comprehensive care.

How Dental Occlusion Influences Posture

Dental occlusion refers to the alignment and contact between teeth when the jaws close. When this alignment is off, it can cause dysfunction in the TMJ, which may lead to pain, muscle tension, and even changes in posture. Research shows that orthodontic procedures and dental occlusion can influence spinal alignment and overall posture.

The connection between dental occlusion and posture involves several mechanisms:

• Fascial Connections: Fascia is a web of connective tissue that links muscles and bones throughout the body. Dysfunction in the jaw can create tension in fascial lines that extend to the neck and back.

• Myological Interrelationships: Muscles controlling jaw movement also affect neck and upper back muscles, creating a chain reaction when imbalances occur.

• Referred Pain Patterns: Pain originating in the TMJ or dental structures can be felt in other areas, such as the neck or shoulders, influencing posture as the body compensates.

• Tonic Neck Reflexes: These reflexes involve spinal pathways that can be affected by jaw position, altering muscle tone and spinal alignment.

  
  

The Role of Sacro Occipital Technique in Treatment

SOT is a chiropractic method that evaluates and treats the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and the occiput (base of the skull). This technique is particularly effective for conditions involving the TMJ and cranial bones. SOT practitioners use specific assessments to identify dysfunctions in the jaw and spine and apply gentle adjustments to restore balance.

Some key features of SOT related to dental occlusion and posture include:

• TMJ Evaluation: Assessing jaw movement and identifying restrictions or pain points.

• Cranial Bone Assessment: Checking for misalignments in the skull that may affect the TMJ and nervous system.

• Whole Body Evaluation: Looking at spinal and pelvic alignment to understand how jaw issues influence posture.

• Therapeutic Techniques: Using gentle adjustments and supportive therapies to improve jaw function and spinal posture.

  
  

Why Collaboration Between Chiropractors and Dentists Matters

Treating conditions that involve both the spine and the jaw requires a shared understanding between chiropractors and dental professionals. When these practitioners work together, they can develop a common language and coordinated treatment plans that address the root causes of dysfunction.

For example, a patient with TMJ pain and poor posture might benefit from:

• Dental Interventions: Orthodontic adjustments or occlusal splints to correct bite issues.

• Chiropractic Care: SOT or other techniques to realign the spine and pelvis, reducing compensatory postural changes.

• Co-Treatment Plans: Regular communication between providers to monitor progress and adjust therapies.

  
  

This collaborative approach can lead to better outcomes for patients by addressing both the dental and musculoskeletal components of their condition.

Practical Examples of the Connection

Consider a patient who experiences chronic neck pain and headaches. Upon examination, a chiropractor might find that the patient’s bite is uneven, causing TMJ strain. This strain leads to muscle tension in the neck and upper back, contributing to poor posture and pain.

By working with a dentist to correct the bite and using SOT to adjust spinal alignment, the patient can experience relief from symptoms and improved posture. This example illustrates how dental occlusion and posture are interconnected and why integrated care is beneficial.

Moving Forward with Integrated Care

Understanding the relationship between dental occlusion and posture opens new possibilities for treatment. Chiropractors trained in SOT and familiar with dental perspectives can better identify when referral to a dentist is necessary. Likewise, dentists aware of spinal influences can recognize when chiropractic care might support their patients.

Patients with TMJ disorders, orthodontic needs, or unexplained postural problems should consider seeking care from both professionals. This combined approach offers a more complete solution that addresses the body as a whole.

Blum C, A Chiropractic Perspective of Dental Occlusion’s Affect on Posture,  Poster Presentation: Proceedings of the ACC Conference XI, Journal of Chiropractic Education Spr 2004;18(1): 38.

Introduction: For years, chiropractors have used the term “Lovett Brothers” to describe the relationship between specific vertebra in the lumbar and cervical spine.  Chiropractic procedures have also been proposed to be effective in treating conditions affecting the pelvis and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  In fact, the whole nature of the chiropractic technique, Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) was that its developer, Major B. DeJarnette, found relationships between the sacrum and occiput, which he used in diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractic techniques need to be able to identify and treat conditions secondary to TMJ and dental occlusion dysfunction as well as develop understanding of the dental profession’s perspective for proper referral and co-treatment. 

Methods:  SOT methods of treatment have been found effective for treatment of cranial and TMJ related conditions. Various rationales for the relationship between the spine or pelvis and TMJ or Lovett Brothers have been found. These theories include fascial, myological interrelationships, referred pain patterns and facilitating tonic neck reflexes involving intersegmental spinal pathways.  A review of the literature has found a relationship between dental occlusion and orthodontic procedures and their affect on posture and the spine.

Discussion:  If chiropractors and dentists are going to be working together to treat conditions affecting the spine and posture as well as dentofacial orthopedics and/or temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) a common language will need to be developed. SOT has methods of TMJ, cranial bone and whole body evaluation and therapy that facilitate the treatment of TMD, which are primary to occlusion (ascending disorder).  In addition, SOT has methods of diagnosis, which can evaluate when the TMD is primary to conditions affecting the spine and posture (descending disorder), which necessitate referral to the dental practitioner skilled in TMD treatment.

Conclusions::  Chiropractic and dental co-treatment of TMD, occlusion and dentofacial orthopedics with its relationship to the spine, pelvis, and posture offer a valuable opportunity for multidisciplinary growth. This growth and intercommunication will enable patients suffering from long-term disorders to be offered the possibility of relief that alone, chiropractic or dentistry, cannot offer.  Future studies are needed to evaluate this complementary relationship between dentistry and chiropractic to determine the effectiveness of this care and its benefit for patients with prior intractable chronic conditions.