Our posture shows the continuous adaptation of our body’s bone-articular and muscular structures to various external stimuli. There is a correlation between body posture and chewing. For example, some asymmetries of orthopedic interest (scoliosis) are attributable to certain malocclusions or tooth-facial asymmetries, and vice versa. The treatment must be, therefore, often cross-disciplinary and should be managed through the collaboration of different specialists: orthopaedics, physiatrists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, etc.
Posture control and correction of certain malocclusions are particularly important during body growth and development. Orthognathic (jaw correction) treatment with an inter-disciplinary approach during growth can correct, improve or prevent the worsening of many asymmetries and postural imbalances.
Even in adults, some abnormalities in chewing and facial bones can compromise the function of temporal-mandibular joints, masticatory (chewing) muscles, spine alignment and posture. Symptoms range from headache to cervical pain and rachialgia (neck and back pain), from articular noises to functional blocks.
What can you do, at home?
- Recognize the differences between the right side and the left side of your body: dental occlusion, facial mimicry, shoulder height, position of the feet during walking…
- Do not underestimate repeated episodes of muscle fatigue, headache, joint noises, “feeling” like you have teeth, neck pain, lower back pain.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle and commit to physical exercise (preferably in the absence of joint loading) 30-60 minutes a day
