BAD BITE, BACK PAIN: THE LINK BETWEEN TEETH, SKULL AND SPINE
Back pain can be debilitating, decreasing wellbeing, life quality and the ability to function normally. Occasional back pain after lifting a heavy object is not such a big problem, as it resolves within a few days. However, chronic back pain that do not respond to chiropractor and osteopathic treatment can become a concern, often leading to chronic use of medications.
Around half of the adult population in the US complains of chronic back and/or neck pain. Several factors can contribute to back pain, among which a bad bite is often overlooked by dentists and physicians. The body functions as a unit and all different systems are connected; however, very little focus is given to dental problems and their impact on the skull and the spine.
HOW CAN YOUR BITE CAUSE BACK AND LOWER BACK PAIN?
A functional bite is not only important for eating; it also supports the skull and the head, thus providing stability for the spine. A bad bite, technically knowns as dental malocclusion, can range from minor discrepancies to major jaw and bone imbalances and it can affect our back.
The jaws are directly connected to the first vertebrae of the spine in the neck area through muscles and ligaments. A bad bite results in chronic tension in the chewing muscles, which can spread to adjacent areas such as the skull bone and the cervical spine.
In addition, chewing muscles work together with head and neck muscles in maintaining the postural balance of the head. Therefore, stress in the chewing muscles can affect the position of the jaws and the head. When the head assumes a more forward position due to the bite interferences, the cervical spine is compressed. Thus, problems with the alignment and position of the teeth can affect the support and position of the skull, which in turn interferes with the back.
Bite problems, such as narrow arches and open bites, can also result in lack of adequate space for the tongue, leading to partial blockage of the airway and potentially obstructive sleep apnea (a serious sleep disorder). As a result, the position of the head can change to allow for better breathing, thus causing stress in the cervical back.
Tension and compression in the neck area causes a domino effect on the other parts of the back, resulting in postural changes and possibly pain.
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TO CORRECT BACK AND LOWER BACK PAIN
Dental malocclusion affects almost two thirds of adults in the US. Thus, if you suffer from back pain and treatment with a chiropractor and/or osteopath does not improve it, there is probably a dental bite component to your back problem.
Several orthodontic problems, such as narrow arches, misaligned or tilted teeth, jaw distortions, bite problems (open-, under-, crossbite) can contribute to posture and back pain.
Orthodontic treatment can release the strain in the head, jaws and spine by correcting and balancing the bite. A stable bite (and a beautiful smile) can level the jaws and provide stabilization for the cervical, upper, middle and lower spine.
CAN CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY INFLUENCE BACK PAIN?
Dr. Noor, the founder of Medical Orthodontics, has achieved great results using clear aligner therapy to treat people with a bad bite and back pain. It corrects the bite and the smile, improving back pain. These removable thin trays are comfortable to use and have a discrete appearance, reason why they have become so popular. Additional treatment may be required, including mouthguards for tooth grinding and sleep disorders, crowns for worn out teeth and replacement of ill-fitting restorations.
A balanced bite is the first step towards good posture and relief of upper and lower back pain.