One possible reason for the link between teeth and back pain is shared nervousness; In other words, it is the connection of the nerves going to the teeth with the nerves going to other parts of the body, including the back. As a result, pain called “reflex pain” can be created when the pain signal is reflected to another area via common nerve connections. Natalya Yurchenko, dentist-orthodontist at SM-Stomatology, told socialbites.ca.
“Tooth and gum diseases, such as root canal inflammation, tooth decay or periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth), often lead to inflammation and activation of nerve receptors in the oral area. This pain signal can spread along nerve pathways and cause pain or discomfort in other parts of the body, including the back,” Yurchenko explained.
He also noted that pain in the teeth can lead to a change in posture or chewing movement, which leads to additional tension in the back muscles and pain in this area.
“In addition, some dental problems can cause muscle tension in the face, neck and shoulders, which can spread to the back. “For example, this may be possible due to incorrect bite or dentures that do not fit the anatomy of the mouth,” he added.
He also noted that the health of teeth and gums is related to the general condition of the body. Chronic inflammation in the mouth can affect the immune system and inflammatory markers and ultimately affect other parts of the body, including the back muscles.
“It is important to understand that the relationship between teeth and back pain can be quite complex and individual. If you have back pain, especially if it is accompanied by diseases of the oral cavity, it is recommended to consult an orthodontist or neurologist to perform the necessary examinations and identify possible causes of this pain.” concluded Yurchenko.
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