A Holistic View of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Different healthcare specialists interpret chronic pain through the lens of their own fields of expertise:

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) specialists emphasize that jaw misalignment can be the central cause of widespread musculoskeletal imbalance.

  • Podiatrists often argue that postural and alignment problems begin at the feet, leading to compensatory pain throughout the body.

  • Upper cervical chiropractors believe that subtle misalignments of the atlas and axis (C1–C2) are the most critical factors affecting the entire body’s neuromusculoskeletal function.

  • Functional medicine physicians focus on the impact of nutrition, diet, inflammation, and toxic exposure on the body’s structural and metabolic balance.

  • Psychiatrists point out that emotional trauma and psychological stress can manifest as physical (somatic) symptoms.

These diverse perspectives demonstrate that chronic pain cannot be explained by a single cause and must be understood through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach.

The Role of the Cranio–Cervical–Mandibular Complex

Through many years of clinical experience, I have observed that intractable musculoskeletal pain often originates from subtle misalignments within the cranio–cervical–mandibular complex (CCMC) — the intricate interconnection of the skull, upper cervical spine (C1–C2), and mandible.

This region influences multiple systems including the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems, as well as the myofascial and trigeminal-cervical networks. Even a minute deviation in this alignment can alter posture, balance, and muscle tone throughout the entire body.

As a physician and chiropractor, I believe that addressing these micro-misalignment patterns within the cranio–cervical–mandibular system is one of my most important responsibilities in caring for patients suffering from chronic, treatment-resistant pain.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net


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