19/06/2026
I love when the research points to why we do what we do and the science behind it. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18rx9CDWKG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
How connected are the tongue and neck?
A recent study investigated the effects of temporary cervical immobilisation on tongue mobility and strength in healthy adults.
The researchers found that restricting neck movement altered tongue tone and mobility, reinforcing the idea that the tongue and neck region may function as an interconnected system rather than completely independent structures.
This isn't a tongue-tie paper. However, I found it interesting because we frequently hear patients, parents and colleagues report improvements in tongue tone, tongue suction and tongue mobility following chiropractic and osteopathic treatment. Similarly, when we improve tongue mobility through tongue tie release, patients and parents often report changes in neck tension, comfort and range of movement.
Of course, observations are not the same as proof, and this study certainly doesn't answer all of those questions. But I do believe we need to think beyond individual structures and consider how different parts of the body influence one another. It is a fascinating area for further exploration.
The more I listen to my patients and collaborate with professionals from different disciplines, the more I learn, and the more I am humbled how much I still have to learn about the interconnectedness of the human body.
I believe that better outcomes often come through greater integration and collaboration, rather than working within professional silos.
I'm sharing this paper because I'd love to hear the perspectives of my integrative colleagues.
What's your perspective on this paper?
What else are you seeing clinically that we should be exploring further?
Link to PDF of the article:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12037935/pdf/JOOR-52-604.pdf
