Why a curvature of the spine and the control of the jaw may be connected, and what this means for people affected, parents and healthcare professionals. Explained clearly and neutrally.
Two self-tests. Choose your path:
The basics
Scoliosis is the term for a sideways curvature of the spine, often accompanied by a rotation of individual vertebrae.
It often develops during the growth years and is easily overlooked at first. Typical signs are uneven shoulders, a protruding shoulder blade or a visible asymmetry of the trunk when bending forward.
We educate and connect; we do not treat, and we promise no cure. This page does not replace a medical or orthopaedic assessment.
The possible connection
The jaw and the spine are in constant interaction via muscles and nerve pathways. If the tension changes at the top, the alignment further down may change as well, and vice versa.
Some professionals observe that dysregulation in the jaw system and abnormalities of posture or the spine, up to and including scoliosis, may occur together. Whether, and to what extent, such a connection exists in an individual case has not been conclusively established by science. We therefore expressly present it as a possibility, one that may be worth a careful, interdisciplinary assessment. [H]
A connection is a possible explanation, not a proven cause. Where scoliosis has been diagnosed, overall care belongs in the hands of doctors and orthopaedic specialists.
The perspective
CMD regulatory medicine (CMD = craniomandibular dysfunction) understands the body as an interconnected regulatory system, with the jaw system as an important point of control and balance.
Within this conceptual model, posture is not viewed in isolation, but in the interplay of the “floors” of the body. CMD regulatory therapy, which is derived from it, and CMD systems therapy deliberately focus on the whole system rather than on individual symptoms. For people with posture issues, this may be a sensible complement to orthopaedic care, as a possibility, not as a replacement. [H] You can find out exactly what the terms mean under Understanding.
Early recognition
Especially during growth, an early, attentive look is worthwhile, at posture, the level of the shoulders and the jaw.
Because the jaw, the position of the teeth and posture develop together during growth, abnormalities may interact early on. Signs such as uneven shoulders, a one-sided bite, grinding the teeth at night or mouth breathing are reasons to take a closer look; the earlier, the better they can be supported. [H]
Take the children’s testFrequently asked questions
A connection between the jaw, posture and scoliosis is a possibility, but it has not been conclusively proven by science. We present it as a conceivable connection, not as a proven cause. [H]
A perspective that views posture and the jaw as parts of one regulatory system. CMD regulatory therapy and CMD systems therapy are derived from it. More under Understanding.
No. Diagnosed scoliosis belongs in medical and orthopaedic care. The interdisciplinary view is a possible complement, not a replacement.
Uneven shoulders, trunk asymmetry when bending forward, a one-sided bite or mouth breathing. The children’s self-test gives some initial guidance.
Two neutral self-tests, for adults and for children. Anonymous, in just a few minutes, without a diagnosis.