Back pain: dental might be to blame

Back pain is a very worrying health problem, especially today, when 80% of the British population admits to having already suffered a more or less lasting painful episode in the back or neck.

We now know the main causes, such as poor posture or chronic back pain, but did you know that toothache and jaw problems can also cause physical pain? Did you also know about the relationship between teeth and back? Our specialists tell you about it today.

What is the relationship between teeth and back pain?

First of all, we will bust the myth that a cavity can cause back or knee pain. The fact is that a cavity alone rarely, if ever, causes back or knee pain. To understand this, one must look at the jaw as a whole.

The main cause of tooth-related back pain is called jaw wear or jaw dysfunction, which refers to a problem that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) used for speaking, chewing, etc.

This dysfunction is usually caused by dental malocclusion, that is, an overlapping or incorrect positioning of the teeth when the jaw is closed.

The jaw is the first joint in the human body, so it can cause joint and muscle tension in the neck, back, as well as in the hips if you have skeletal malocclusion due to the teeth.

What causes an imbalance of the jaw?

• Hereditary dental malocclusion
• Crown failure
• Dental fillings and non-replaced teeth
• Bad habits (thumb sucking)
• Accident and joint dislocation (TMJ)

Bruxism, or involuntary clenching of the teeth during the day or night, which according to figures affects 20% of the population, may also be the cause of your back pain. Clenching the teeth unconsciously causes a great excess of weight on one or more teeth, which causes tension in the jaw joint and in the neck and back.

* Note that bruxism during the day (without grinding) is mainly related to stress and anxiety. According to some health professionals, stress-induced tooth clenching will be the new pain of the century after back pain.

How do I know if my back pain is related to my teeth?

First, a visit to an osteopath is essential, as he or she can diagnose dental back pain and reduce its symptoms. While it may seem strange to make an appointment to see a dentist for physical pain, statistics show that 1 in 2 people have problems with their jaw joint and 1 in 10 of them seek help.

What solutions can be used to restore occlusal equilibrium?

Dental malocclusion is a problem that should be taken seriously, especially when it is accompanied by physical and headaches. First of all, it is essential to consult an osteopath, as he/she is able to detect an imbalance in the jaw.

Diagnosis:

• Consult a health professional “Osteopath”.
• If the diagnosis is confirmed, make an appointment with a dental surgeon.

Treatments proposed by the dentist:

• Repair of a filled tooth with an implant.
• Prosthetic rehabilitation with a removable or fixed prosthesis.
• Wear a mouth guard to avoid clenching your teeth at night.
• Occlusal balancing by selective grinding.

How can dental back pain be prevented?

To prevent back pain caused by ajaw bite problem, you should first consult an osteopath to have your jaw joint analyzed. If you detect a malfunction, congratulations, you have managed to control the problem before it becomes painful for your body.

Clenching the teeth due to stress is also a cause of tension in the cervical and upper back muscles. To counteract this, you can consult a dentist who will make a diagnosis and can prescribe a custom-made oral appliance for the night.

Relieve the stress of clenching your teeth with:

• Smile (try to be positive)
• Acupressure
• Guided meditation
• Regular physical activity
• A good night's sleep
• A consultation with a specialized therapist