Craniomandibular Dysfunction and Craniosacral Therapy

Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD) is a complex of symptoms in a wide variety of forms caused by a malfunctioning interaction of the upper and lower jaw and conditioned by functional problems of the teeth, jaw and mandibular joint or jaw muscles.

The words Craniomandibular Dysfunction are derived from "Cranium" (skull), "Mandibula" (lower jaw) and "Dysfunction" (malfunction).

As the muscles used for chewing are connected in a chain of functions with the muscles of the spine, the CMD symptoms frequently extend beyond the area of the head. Neck and shoulder tension, blockage of the cervical vertebra or a squint pelvis can cause a dysfunction- and vise versa. Craniosacral Therapy makes it possible to treat these malfunctions so that the symptoms disappear or improve. This involves working very gently directly upon the skull and jaw area or other areas of the body

Craniosacral Therapy can also support and improve dental treatment by eliminating tension in the tissues and dealing therapeutically with feelings of fear and panic. Pain can be reduced and the healing of wounds accelerated.

Children and adults can profit in many ways from treatment. Carrying out Craniosacral Therapy parallel to children’s teeth and jaw corrections can accelerate the correction time.

Patients who are especially fearful or traumatised can receive further helpful support with Somatic Experiencingã, a kind of Trauma Therapy. This can pave the way for stress-free treatment and reduce physical symptoms caused by an over stimulated nervous system.

CMD does not have just one set of symptoms. The following symptoms can be indications of a dysfunction:

• Problems in the jaw area such as a sensation of tension after being fitted with false teeth or dentures
• Grinding of the teeth during sleep
• Cracking of the mandibular joint
• Arthritis of the mandibular joint
• Undiagnosed repeated pain in the area of jaw and teeth
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Headaches, migraines
• Tinnitus
• Dizziness and problems with balance
• Digestive problems
• Problems in the areas of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae
• Different length of legs
• Visual flickering and other eye problems
• Tense neck and shoulders
• Increased pressure in inner eye