Craniomandibular and spinal dysfunction
Contrary to what many patients think, dentists do not just treat teeth; they care about a patient’s oral health taking the entire body into account. For this reason, at Vinci Clinic we believe in the holistic approach to treatment. We take into consideration the cause-and-effect relationship between conditions of the oral cavity and diseases of other organs and parts of the human body.
Headaches
Any recurring headache should be consulted with a specialist. Headache is one of the most common ailments experienced by people; it can have many causes. It is estimated that about 90% of these are tension headaches caused by craniomandibular and spinal dysfunction. People suffering from malocclusion or poor posture may complain about headaches several times a week or even daily. Additionally, eye floaters, balance disorders, and dizziness may be due to misalignment of the jaw in relation to the base of the skull, the sphenoid bone, and the occipital bone. Strong emotions and stress are responsible for increased muscle tension that trigger or exacerbate already existing conditions. Recent scientific reports show that occlusal conditions and head position are important for overall physical performance. Based on our experience, patients can be freed from persistent headaches as early as during the initial treatment of the dysfunction. Nevertheless, remember that any recurring pain incident should be consulted with a doctor who will refer you for other specific tests.
Back pain and faulty posture
The cervical spine is responsible for the proper alignment of the head (the head should be in line with the spine), which is closely related to the position of the maxilla. During swallowing and chewing, the jaws naturally attempt to align with the occlusal plane parallel to the ground. In case of malocclusion or craniomandibular and spinal dysfunction, the head tilts and triggers a series of compensatory movements to maintain body posture. This leads to curvature and pain in different parts of the spine. When this type of faulty posture is perpetuated, curvature and pain in various sections of the spine (scoliosis, kyphosis) occur. Recent studies have shown that there is a close relationship between malocclusion and faulty posture. Therefore, the cooperation of various specialists (dentist, osteopath, speech therapist, physiotherapist) is essential in the treatment of craniomandibular and spinal dysfunction.
Examining patients with craniomandibular and spinal dysfunction
At Vinci Clinic, we perform a thorough examination that involves taking a medical history and carrying out a physical examination (clinical tests). The range of mandibular motion, the presence of cracking, tongue mobility, and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth are evaluated. We also test facial and neck muscle tone and perform an orthopedic examination of the spine, pelvis and feet.