The craniosacral mechanism and the temporomandibular joint.

A review of the extensive work by dentists Fonder and Smith to resolve temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome shows awareness of the unity of the body and the effect of TMJ dysfunction on all body systems. However, the role of the craniosacral mechanism has not been appreciated sufficiently. Results of a retrospective study of 130 TMJ patients evaluated for craniosacral dysfunction over a 9-year-period are reported. More than 57 percent of the patients had a history of trauma. The number of upper cervical restrictions was also impressive. A viscerosomatic reflex is postulated as a mechanism for the association of cervical and cranial restrictions and TMJ dysfunction. Osteopathic cranial treatment will assist resolution of TMJ symptoms and improve results with the dental splint. The benefits of a team approach by dentists and physicians are discussed.