The Overlooked Connection Between Jaw Dysfunction and Neuro-Sensitive Dysautonomia
Jaw Dysfunction and the Nervous System: What's the Connection?
The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is the largest cranial nerve and a major sensory gateway to the brainstem. It receives proprioceptive input from the jaw, face, and masticatory muscles—and feeds that data into the trigeminal nucleus, a hub tightly connected to autonomic centers in the brainstem like the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and reticular formation.
When jaw position is altered (from trauma, clenching, poor oral posture, or developmental asymmetry), the trigeminal input becomes distorted. The brainstem, receiving noisy or imbalanced input, can shift into a state of threat, upregulating sympathetic tone. This can contribute to lightheadedness, heart palpitations, shallow breathing, fatigue, migraine, visual blurring, sensory overload, and poor vagal tone.
Why I Address the Jaw in Neuro-Rehab & Dysautonomia Care
Many patients with unresolved dysautonomia benefit when jaw mechanics and oral posture are evaluated and corrected. I use clinical neurology integration, combining jaw realignment, facial nerve integration, trigeminal nucleus unloading, and chewing rehabilitation. This approach restores clean proprioceptive input to the brainstem, calming the autonomic 'alarm system'.
The Role of Mewing, Jaw Training & Chewing Mechanics
Mewing, which involves proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and jaw alignment, activates trigeminal afferents, stimulates autonomic ganglia, and improves craniofacial symmetry.
Jaw training includes intentional chewing with hard-resistance jawline gum to strengthen masticatory muscles and retrain occlusion force dynamics. This includes bilateral chewing, vertical bite focus, cervical alignment, and reinforcing full chewing cycles—retraining the trigeminal input and supporting brainstem regulation.
Case in Point
One of my post-concussion patients with POTS-like symptoms experienced daily migraines and blurry vision. After correcting her jaw torsion, retraining chewing mechanics, and reinforcing proper tongue posture, her symptoms resolved within three weeks—without medication.
Final Thoughts: The Jaw Is a Portal
Jaw dysfunction can be a hidden driver of neuro-sensitive dysautonomia. By correcting oral posture, chewing mechanics, and jaw input to the brainstem, patients can unlock powerful healing and regulation within the autonomic nervous system.
About Dr. Anaiah Christensen
I’m Dr. Anaiah Christensen, a Chiropractor with advanced specializations in Applied Kinesiology, Clinical Neuroscience, and myofascial release. For the past four years, I’ve also studied cranial osteopathy with a focus on facial and jaw biomechanics.
My journey into this specialized work began with a personal health crisis—mold toxicity and long-haul COVID left me neurologically dysregulated and physically unrecognizable. My facial structure changed, and so did my ability to function. Through targeted jaw retraining, intraoral release, and mewing, I rebuilt both my facial architecture and my neurological resilience.
Now, I apply these tools clinically to help others facing similar struggles—post-COVID syndrome, dysautonomia, POTS, chronic pain, and unresolved neurological conditions. My mission is to restore form, function, and beauty, from the inside out.