Understanding the cranial-facial connection.
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The jaw joint — the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ — doesn’t function in isolation. It has a close anatomical relationship with the bones of the face and skull, which is one reason jaw concerns sometimes bring people to a cranial evaluation.
Why the cranium and jaw are related
The jaw articulates directly with the temporal bone of the skull, and the muscles involved in jaw function attach broadly across the head and face. Given that relationship, it’s reasonable to examine cranial mechanics as part of a jaw evaluation — and vice versa.
What I look for
I examine facial and cranial symmetry, jaw movement and range of motion, and use muscle testing to help identify areas that may be relevant. Dental history — including orthodontic work — is also part of the picture I’m interested in.
TMJ disorders have multiple possible causes, including dental, muscular, joint and stress-related factors. I don’t claim that cranial adjusting treats TMJ disorders as a category, and I think coordination with a dentist or TMJ specialist is often appropriate alongside any cranial evaluation.
What I’ve observed clinically
I’ve seen cases where addressing cranial and facial findings appeared to relate to changes elsewhere in the body, including muscle function. These are individual clinical observations, not evidence of a general effect.
Related reading
Learn about cranial anatomy and mechanics, or read about cranial adjusting and facial asymmetry.