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Toothache and Back pain: An Unexpected Connection You Shouldn't Ignore - A fresh perspective from Khi Tam Therapy

Updated: Mar 20

Have you ever had a toothache, only to be followed by intense back pain? At first glance, these two issues seem entirely unrelated. But our bodies are intricate, interconnected systems, and pain in one area can sometimes trigger discomfort elsewhere.


I recently experienced this firsthand—a nagging toothache two weeks ago, followed by severe back pain just days later. It made me wonder: Could there be a deeper connection?


Medical images of individuals with hand, foot, and dental abnormalities, including X-rays and close-up dental views, indicating a genetic or congenital condition
Toothache and Back pain: An unexpected connection

The Hidden Link Between Toothaches and Back Pain

Toothaches can arise from various causes, such as cavities, gum disease, or teeth grinding. But beyond the discomfort, they trigger a physiological stress response—an increase in cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the jaw and neck, which may spread to other areas like the upper back.


Then there’s the role of fascia, the web-like connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs. When fascia tightens in one area—such as the jaw—it can create a chain reaction, affecting the spine and contributing to back pain. This could explain why some people experience both toothaches and back discomfort at the same time.


Anatomical illustration and dissection image showing the connection between the tongue and toes through the fascia and muscular system, emphasizing body interconnectivity
Your tongue and toes are connected

Other Factors at Play

Of course, back pain has many possible causes, including poor posture, lack of movement, or spinal misalignment. In my case, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I had been sitting more than usual over the past six months. Prolonged sitting weakens muscles and places excessive strain on the lower back, likely compounding my pain.

Diagram illustrating the relationship between dental occlusion and body posture. It compares Class I (ideal posture), Class II (forward posture), and Class III (sway back posture) with corresponding bite alignments.
Dental occlusion and body posture

Healing Through Khi Tam Therapy

At Khi Tam Therapy, we take a holistic approach to pain relief by addressing the body's structural and energetic balance. To treat my back pain, I used specialized Khi Tam Therapy techniques that target the nervous system and fascia, including:


Yoga therapy – Strengthens the back, improves flexibility, and corrects posture.

Meditation – Promotes relaxation and lowers stress, reducing tension-related pain.

Energy healing – Helps release blockages, allowing the body’s natural healing processes to take over.


After just three hours of focused self-treatment, with guidance from a Khi Tam Therapy practitioner, my deep nerve spasms subsided. While my body still needed time to rest and recover, the sharp pain in my pelvis, hips, and tailbone had disappeared.

Listen to Your Body

If you’re experiencing toothache and back pain, don’t ignore the signals. Consult a dentist for oral health concerns and seek professional evaluation for your back pain. Identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment.


A combination of professional care, holistic therapies like Khi Tam Therapy, and a balanced lifestyle can help you manage pain more effectively—allowing you to move, live, and feel better.


Note: This research is available in English and Vietnamese. If you would like to have a consultation relating to these issues, please feel free to contact our founder of Khi Tam Therapy, Master Sridevi To Hai: contact@khitamtherapyuk.com


References

  1. An Update on the Tongue-to-Toe Connection: https://www.dentistryiq.com/.../fascia-an-update-on-the...

  2. The Role of Periodontitis in Systemic Diseases: A Concise Review: https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S1350453321000023

  3. Khi Tam Therapy: www.khitamtherapyuk.com

 
 
 

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