AIM: Postural change and position of lower jaw during osteopathic treatment are a highly interesting combination. There are no publications on this topic. In this case report the metric 3D-changes in spine posture caused by different positions of the lower jaw were evaluated.
MATERIAL and METHODS: A young adult (female, age of 18) was studied scientifically using the back scanner system ABW (GeBioM). The spine posture was measured during changes of the lower jaw, in physiological rest position of the mandible (1), using a relaxation bite splint (2), after cranio-sacral (3) and visceral osteopathic treatment (4). The Scans were repeated three times in every lower jaw position. The sagittal and transversal changes in spine posture were calculated at C7- and TH12-level. A semiquantitativ 3D interpretation of spine posture was related to the four different mandibular positions.
RESULTS and DISCUSSION: During the treatment the body posture was uprighted. In every different position of the jaw was a significant change of C7 and TH12 in transversal and sagittal direction. The average change for the position of C7 was 3.5 mm sagittal and 2.5 mm transversal, the average change for TH12 was 4.5 mm sagittal and 3.5 mm transversal. Spine convexity and concavity was reduced during treatment.
CONCLUSION: Three dimensional changes of spine posture influenced by different positions of the lower jaw can be evidenced using 3 d back scanner systems. It is a benefit for documentation and comparison for medical disciplines such as manual therapy and osteopathy in orthodontic treatment.