Hello! @Chrickychricky @KMBS @Jules @Snapple2020
***A bit late in the discussion and not full in context to the entire feed but…
I wanted to share some insight on recent research I have been reviewing.
As mentioned one of my biggest symptoms with Eagles was the “TMJ dysfunction” I suffered with for years prior. Treatment with mouth guards and Botox only exacerbated my pain and cause further dysfunction to my joint and jaw alignment.
Post styloidectomy my muscle tension was quickly alleviated. My Eagles specialist would argue that TMJ was never the source, and to some degree I agree. However, I was still left with an abnormal joint and bite due to failed prior treatment.
I sought care under an integrative dentist. (An integrative dentist who performs cranial therapy combines conventional dental care with a whole-body approach, using gentle craniosacral techniques to address how the jaw, skull bones, and nervous system interact during treatments like orthodontics or TMJ therapy .
Within weeks I saw improvement in my mal-occlusion and further TMJ symptomology improved. I am over 1 year into treatment and am seeing changes within in my cervical spine. She has opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed.
This integrative dentist immediately corrected my tongue tie ( something I didn’t know I had) and argued that if my tongue was in proper alignment my jaw would then expand to correct my bite. She explained typically orthodontics focuses on moving the teeth rather than correcting the jaw. I am not fully done with the course of treatment but KNOW this follow up therapy is absolutely necessary for my remaining healing. ( Airway/ sleep improvement is another discussion)
Please see info attached. Splint therapy and the effects on the Cervical Spine.
Occlusal splint therapy (using a custom dental appliance for jaw alignment) indirectly affects the cervical spine by reducing jaw muscle tension, improving neck mobility, and decreasing neck pain.
- Trigeminal-Cervical Nucleus: The nerves in your jaw and face connect with the upper cervical spine nerves in the brainstem, meaning jaw relaxation often calms neck muscle spasms. [1, 2, 3]
- Postural Balance: Realigning the bite optimizes the resting position of the head, which reduces chronic strain on the upper neck vertebrae (C1-C2). [1, 2, 3]
- Muscle Deactivation: Wearing an oral splint decreases hyperactive electrical signals in the jaw and upper shoulder muscles. [1]
Observed Effects on the Neck
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Increased Range of Motion: Studies show a short-term increase in bilateral head rotation and lateral flexion. [1]
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Pain and Disability Reduction: Patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) undergoing splint therapy frequently report lower scores on the Neck Disability Index and reduced radiating tension headaches. [1, 2]
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Postural Restoration: Combined with physical therapy, splints help restore proper cervical lordosis (the natural inward curve of the neck). [1]