Do you suffer from recurring jaw pain? Maybe your jaw clicks or pops when you open or close your mouth? You may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder. While it can be caused by stress, a past injury, or arthritis, your posture can also affect your jaw functions. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) require a precise balance to keep your jaw functioning its best. Poor posture can affect your TMJs. Here’s how to stand and sit correctly to improve your posture and stop your jaw pain.
Poor Posture Has a Domino Effect
Poor posture affects the alignment of your spine. Not only can this cause back and neck pain, but it also causes your lower jaw to protrude forward. This can affect your bite, which is a common cause of TMJ disorders. It strains the bones and joints that can trigger many symptoms, like difficulty opening and closing your mouth or recurring facial pain.
Tips for Better Posture
It can’t be difficult to break bad habits, like slouching, but good posture is important for a healthy body. Here are a few ways you can change your habits:
- Check Your Posture: Pay attention to how you’re sitting and standing. If you find yourself slouching or hunched over, adjust your posture. Your back should be straight and your head held high.
- Choose the Right Chair: If you spend a lot of time sitting, it’s important to have a good chair that offers plenty of lower back support.
- Don’t Forget to Move: If you work from home or have an office job, don’t forget to get up and move periodically. Not only will it improve your posture, but also your circulation.
- Use Your Imagination: Pretend there is a book on your head that you must prevent from falling off to help maintain your posture, whether you’re sitting, standing, or walking.
- Stretch Your Muscles: Stretch your muscles to improve your circulation and reduce tension. Besides stretching your legs or arms, don’t forget to stretch out your jaw.
Managing TMJ Disorders
While you work to improve your posture, you can manage TMJ symptoms using a few easy tips:
- Practice Jaw Exercises: Jaw-strengthening exercises can reduce muscle tension and improve the flexibility of your joints.
- Eat Soft Foods: Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods to prevent unnecessary stress on the joints, which can increase pain and inflammation.
- Consider an Oral Appliance: An oral appliance from your dentist can train your jaw to rest in a more comfortable position.
- Fix Your Bite: If a bad bite is the culprit of your TMJ disorder, orthodontics can improve harmony between the upper and lower arches.
Your dentist will create the personalized plan you need to improve your jaw functions and stop your facial pain.
About Dr. Stephanie Gorczyca
Dr. Gorczyca earned her dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and has continued her education in services to treat complex dental cases. She stays on top of the latest advancements in dentistry and is a member of many professional organizations, like the American Dental Association. If you’re ready to stop your jaw pain, request an appointment through our website or call (702) 602-4000.