Biomechanical relationship of the cranial, cervical, and hyoid regions.

Abstract

AbstractThe relationship between the cranial, cervical, and hyoid regions can be modified by removable orthopedic appliances installed by the dentist and by manual orthopedic techniques applied to the cervical spine by the physical therapist. However, each of these disciplines evaluates and treats according to the patient's symptoms and various objective criteria that are primarily limited to that field.The author suggests that these two approaches to normalizing those relationships must be coordinated. He presents an objective method of evaluating x-rays to determine the impact of both disciplines, and suggests that this can help determine the normal biomechanical relationship of these structures.He also discusses the importance of the following points as they relate to this method: 1. The position of the hyoid bone in determining the appropriate curvature of the cervical spine.2. The distance between the occiput and the atlas and its relevance to the headache syndrome.3. The angular relationship of the ...