title: Alteration of vertical dimension and its effect on head and neck posture.
abstract: Previous research has shown a relationship between head posture and rest position of the mandible. Should this relationship really be an interrelationship? Does a change in mandibular posture alone also alter head and neck posture? The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how a change in mandibular posture, specifically an increase in vertical dimension, contributes to craniovertical extension leading to suboccipital compression and upsetting the postural balance between the head and neck. A model of physiologic equilibrium is presented for the craniomandibular articulation.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Urbanowicz
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D006257:Head / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000502:physiology; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011187:Posture; D013165:Splints; D014716:Vertical Dimension