Tongue Tie

Tongue tie is a condition we see frequently at Trinity Life Chiropractic, and it's important to understand our role clearly: chiropractors don't treat tongue tie directly — the tissue restriction itself requires a release procedure (frenotomy or frenectomy) performed by a pediatric dentist, ENT, or other qualified provider. What we do is address the structural and neurological factors that affect how well the tongue, jaw, and surrounding muscles function — factors that directly influence both the severity of tongue tie symptoms and the success of a release procedure.

The muscles and nerves that control tongue movement, jaw function, and the coordinated suck-swallow-breathe pattern don't operate in isolation. They're connected to and influenced by the upper cervical spine and cranial base. The hypoglossal nerve, which controls the tongue, exits the skull near the base of the cranium. The vagus nerve, which coordinates swallowing and digestive function, passes through the upper cervical region. The trigeminal nerve, which controls jaw movement and sensation, is influenced by cranial alignment. When there is tension, misalignment, or restriction in the upper cervical area — which is extremely common in newborns after the birth process — it compounds the functional limitation that the tongue tie itself creates.

This is why some babies with tongue ties have severe symptoms while others with a similar-looking tie have milder issues. The difference often comes down to how much additional tension and restriction exists in the surrounding structures. A baby with a posterior tongue tie and significant upper cervical tension may have a completely dysfunctional latch. The same baby, after gentle cervical adjustments release that tension, may be able to nurse more effectively — sometimes dramatically so — even before the tie is released.

Our role is most valuable when we're part of the care team before and after a tongue tie release. Pre-release, we work to reduce cervical and cranial tension so the muscles and nerves involved in oral function are as free and mobile as possible going into the procedure. This often improves latch function even before the release and helps the provider assess the true extent of the restriction without the confounding effects of structural tension. Post-release, chiropractic care is equally important. The body has been compensating for the tongue tie since birth — muscles have developed tension patterns, the cervical spine has adapted, and the nervous system has wired workarounds. Simply releasing the tie doesn't automatically undo these compensatory patterns. Without bodywork, many families find that symptoms improve initially but then plateau, or that the wound heals with the tie effectively reattaching because the surrounding tension pulls the tissue back together.

At our office, we use incredibly gentle techniques for newborns and infants — fingertip contacts and sustained light pressure to specific areas of the upper cervical spine and cranial base. We assess head and neck range of motion, jaw opening symmetry, and overall muscle tension patterns. We also use our INSiGHT scanning technology when appropriate to identify nervous system interference objectively. For older children who are dealing with speech, feeding, or breathing issues related to tongue tie, we take a similar approach — addressing the structural components that are limiting function alongside the work of speech therapists, myofunctional therapists, and dental providers.

We work closely with a network of pediatric dentists, ENTs, lactation consultants, and myofunctional therapists in the Allen and greater DFW area. Tongue tie management is genuinely a team effort, and the best outcomes happen when all providers are communicating and coordinating. If you suspect your baby has a tongue tie, or if a release has already been done and you're not seeing the improvement you expected, an evaluation at our office can help identify whether structural and neurological factors are contributing to the ongoing difficulty.