Is There a Relationship Between Scoliosis, Shoulder Asymmetry and Jaw Occlusion?

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Oğuz Öztoprak’s functional and orthopaedic approach.

Many people think that jaw joint problems start only inside the mouth. Similarly, spinal curvatures or differences in shoulder level are assumed to be purely orthopaedic problems.

However, the human body is not made up of structures that work independently of one another. There is constant interaction between the jaw joint, neck, spine, muscle system and posture. For this reason, in some patients jaw joint complaints can be seen together with spine and posture problems.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis describes curvature and rotation changes that occur in the three-dimensional structure of the spine. In individuals with scoliosis, the following may be seen:

• Differences in shoulder levels
• Hip asymmetry
• Changes in trunk balance
• Differences in muscle activity

The degree and effects of scoliosis vary from person to person.

Spinal Balance Can Affect Head Position

Our head is one of the heaviest structures in the body. Changes in spinal balance can affect the way the head is carried. Changes in head position can in turn affect:

• The neck muscles
• The jaw muscles
• The jaw joint
• The functional movements of the lower jaw

For this reason, in some individuals spine-related biomechanical changes can be reflected onto the jaw system.

Is There a Relationship Between Jaw Occlusion and Posture?

This subject has been the focus of scientific research for many years. The data we have today show that certain relationships may exist between jaw occlusion and posture.

However, not every posture disorder is caused by jaw occlusion. Likewise, not every jaw joint problem is caused by the spine. Nevertheless, in some patients the following can be seen together:

• Jaw joint pain
• Teeth grinding habit
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Shoulder asymmetry
• Posture disorders

For this reason, holistic evaluation of the patient is important.

Can Shoulder Asymmetry Affect the Jaw System?

The shoulder girdle is directly related to neck and head position. In particular, long-standing muscle imbalances can affect:

• The working order of the neck muscles
• Head position
• The activity of the jaw muscles

In some individuals, this can contribute to changes in the loads placed on the jaw joint.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Oğuz Öztoprak’s Approach

In our clinic, jaw joint evaluation is not done by looking at the teeth alone. At the same time, the following are evaluated as a whole:

• Head position
• Neck posture
• Spinal balance
• Shoulder levels
• Occlusal relationships
• Airway structure
• Musculoskeletal system functions

The aim is not to focus on a single symptom, but to understand the patient’s functional system.

What Is the Aim of Treatment?

The aim of treatment is not only to reduce jaw joint complaints. The aim is to:

• Identify functional imbalances
• Assess the loads on the jaw joint
• Analyse the occlusal system
• Improve posture
• Create a multidisciplinary approach when needed

For this purpose, cooperation may be carried out with orthodontics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, orthopaedics and other related disciplines.

Conclusion

There is no relationship between scoliosis, shoulder asymmetry and jaw occlusion that works the same way in every patient. However, considering the biomechanical integrity of the human body, it is also not possible to say that these systems are completely independent of one another.

For this reason, posture and spine assessment should not be overlooked in individuals with jaw joint problems, and jaw system assessment should not be ignored in individuals with posture problems.

Because sometimes the problem does not lie in a single region but in functional imbalances that affect the whole system.

If you are also curious about the relationship between the jaw joint and balance and dizziness, you can read our article "Can the Jaw Joint Cause Dizziness and Balance Problems?"

Frequently Asked Questions

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis describes curvature and rotation changes in the three-dimensional structure of the spine. It may appear with differences in shoulder levels, hip asymmetry, changes in trunk balance and differences in muscle activity.

Does scoliosis affect the jaw joint?

There is no relationship that works the same way in every patient; however, because of the body’s biomechanical integrity, spine-related changes can in some individuals affect head position and therefore the jaw system.

Is there a relationship between jaw occlusion and posture?

Current data suggest certain relationships may exist. But not every posture disorder is caused by jaw occlusion, and not every jaw joint problem is caused by the spine; that is why holistic evaluation is important.

Can shoulder asymmetry affect the jaw system?

The shoulder girdle is directly related to neck and head position. Long-standing muscle imbalances can affect the work of the neck and jaw muscles and contribute to changes in the loads placed on the jaw joint.

I have a jaw joint problem — should I also have my spine checked?

In individuals with jaw joint problems, posture and spine assessment should not be overlooked, and in those with posture problems, jaw system assessment should not be ignored. A holistic view gives more accurate results.

How is treatment planned?

The aim is not only to reduce jaw joint complaints but to identify functional imbalances. When needed, multidisciplinary cooperation with orthodontics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and orthopaedics may be carried out.