Do you spend a large percentage of your day sitting at a desk or staying still? It can be easy to get away from proper posture. Having poor posture can result in much more than a sore back. It can impact numerous parts of your body, even your jaw. Continue reading to learn about the connection between posture and TMD as well as some ways to improve your posture.
How Does Posture Affect the TMJ?
Many people don’t realize that having poor posture can be a huge contributing factor to TMJ pain. This is because pain of the TMJ can be caused by alignment issues – especially in the neck and shoulders. Since the temporomandibular joints are delicately balanced, poor posture and alignment can result in misaligned, popping, craping, and spasming jaw joints. By improving the posture, you may be able to reduce discomfort.
How to Improve Your Posture
Here are some steps you can take to improve your posture, while sitting, standing, and moving:
- Sitting: As much as many of us like to stay active, if you have an office job or are in school, you are likely to spend a lot of time sitting. Proper posture while sitting involves keeping your spine and body upright while maintaining the natural inward curve of the lower back with the pelvis slightly tilted forward. This reduces pressure on the spinal discs. The head and neck should stay upright over the spine with the shoulders back. The hips and legs should be symmetrical.
- Standing: Proper standing posture is similar to a sitting posture. The head and neck should stay upright and aligned over the spine with the shoulders back. Since the curve of the lower back is increased when standing, your pelvis should be level.
- Moving: When you move, it’s important to keep your joints properly supported and aligned. Your feel and ankles need to be kept in a neutral position. Your knees should be aligned with your hips and ankles. Your spine should be stabilized so it isn’t excessively arched or slouched. Your spine should be stabilized so it’s not excessively slouched or arched. Wearing supportive footwear and maintaining a healthy weight are other important steps to consider.
Proper posture while you sit, stand, and move helps to keep your head, neck, and jaw in the right position, potentially reducing your pain caused by TMD. Talk to your dentist about your treatment options and work on your posture. You will have relief in just a matter of time!
About the Author
Dr. Heng Lim is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Association, and the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. To learn more about TMJ treatment or to schedule an appointment at his office in Owasso, visit his website or call (918) 274-3779.