Do you suffer from recurring jaw pain? You’re not alone. Dysfunction of your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can lead to many symptoms. TMJ disorders can be triggered by various factors, like a past injury, a bad bite, or grinding your teeth. However, your posture can also be the culprit. While the two may seem unrelated, poor posture can affect several areas of your body, including your jaw. Here’s how standing up straight can alleviate your jaw pain.
Complications of Poor Posture
Your spine should be aligned properly to look and feel your best. Slouching and hunching over can cause pain in your neck and back.
Believe it or not, improper posture can also make your lower jaw stick out in an uncomfortable position. If your jaw protrudes forward, it can create a poor bite relationship between your upper and lower teeth.
An improper bite is a common cause of TMJ dysfunction. It can strain your jaw muscles, ligaments, and other tissues, which can result in pain and inflammation. Over time, this can limit the jaw’s functions and cause many symptoms, like difficulty opening your mouth, migraines, and ringing in the ears.
How to Promote Better Posture
Poor posture is a difficult habit to break, but you can stand tall and enhance your jaw’s functions by following a few tips:
- Pay Attention: Be aware of your posture when standing and sitting to correct your position. Ideally, your back should be straight and your head in alignment with your spine.
- Your Chair Matters: Choose a chair that has good lower back support.
- Get Moving: If you spend a lot of time sitting down, get up and move around often. You’ll improve your posture and blood circulation.
- Stretch: Stretching your muscles, including your jaw, reduces tension.
Managing Your Jaw Pain
Besides improving your posture, here are a few tips to reduce TMJ symptoms:
- Jaw Exercises: Jaw exercises can strengthen your muscles and decrease tension to promote better flexibility.
- Soft Foods: Eat soft foods that require minimal chewing to prevent inflammation caused by overuse.
- Oral Appliance: Your dentist can provide you with an oral appliance to move your jaw into a better position.
Your dentist can create a personalized plan to improve your jaw’s mobility. With the right treatment and changes at home, you can stop your pain and improve your quality of life.
About Dr. Sara Saba
Dr. Saba earned her dental degree at the University of Maryland at College Park and has regularly continued her training in various specialties, including Invisalign, FastBraces, and Mandibular Advancement Devices. If you’re ready to conquer your jaw pain, request an appointment through her website or call (301) 460-3331.