Have you been struggling with difficulty chewing because of discomfort in your jaw? Are you experiencing a locked jaw or stiffness whenever you try to open or close your mouth? While this might generally be associated with TMJ disorder, your posture could also be a reason for this symptom! Read on to learn how a bad posture can lead to jaw pain and how you can address the problem.
The Connection Between Posture & TMJ
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an incredibly essential part of your anatomy, as it allows you to move your mouth for chewing food. It can also be impacted by seemingly separate parts of your body, including your neck, head, shoulders, and spine. Whenever these pieces aren’t aligned properly, it can create stress and discomfort in the muscles surrounding your TMJ.
Likewise, your jaw joints can inversely affect your musculoskeletal positioning. If you have issues with your TMJ, this can potentially lead to problems with your posture, making it more difficult for you to maintain proper alignment.
How to Correct Your Posture
By correcting your body alignment, you might be able to reduce your TMD symptoms. Here are a few ways to fix your posture:
- While standing, keep your shoulders back and straighten your spine while keeping some tension in your abdomen. Avoid locking your knees and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Try pretending like you’re balancing a book atop your head.
- When using your phone, refrain from looking down for too long, as this can result in a forward head posture, or “nerd neck.”
- While sitting, make sure to keep your feet flat on the floor and press your back against your chair. You might also invest in a chair that helps support a better sitting position.
- If you sit down a lot, remember to engage in movement. Walking around for a few minutes every hour can improve posture while reducing tension or stress on your musculoskeletal system.
- If you’re struggling to fix your posture, visit a professional for assistance, such as a physical therapist or chiropractor. They can help suggest exercises and certain therapies to enhance your posture.
What Happens If You Still Show TMD Symptoms?
Are you still experiencing TMD symptoms after fixing your posture? If so, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist who offers treatments for these kinds of issues. They can examine your oral health, determine the root cause of your jaw discomfort, and determine the proper method for addressing your situation. With their help, you can be sure to return to enjoying a more comfortable bite in time!
About the Practice
At Athens Dental Associates, our team strives to help patients improve or regain a more comfortable smile. We also provide various treatments to help alleviate tensions in the jaw joints, such as TMJ treatment and BOTOX, so that you can enjoy a healthier bite in the long run. If you’re struggling with discomfort in the jaws, be sure to visit our website or call us at 706-549-1370.