
The Connection Between TMD & Posture
Do you sit hunched over a computer, drive, or scroll on your phone for several hours every day? You may already know that none of these activities is good for your posture. However, did you know that they could also be triggering your TMD symptoms? Keep reading to learn more about the connection between posture and TMJ disorders.
Posture & TMD
You probably notice that your shoulders feel tight, your upper back is sore, and your neck is stiff after a long day at work or after a long commute. These are all indications of incorrect posture. We are all aware that incorrect posture is bad for the spine. But did you know that it is also bad for the jaw? In fact, there is a direct link between posture and TMJ disorders.
Forward Head Posture
Leaning forward all day to type on a computer or look at a phone leads to forward head posture, which means your head is pitched forward in front of your shoulders. This type of posture puts undue pressure on your neck and shifts your lower jaw forward unnaturally, exacerbating TMD symptoms.
Slouching and Hunching
A lot of people struggle to sit up straight at their desks, at the table, on the couch, and in the car. We tend to slouch our shoulders and neck forwards. Sitting in this position for long periods is stressful on the neck and jaw.
Leaning while Standing
Standing posture is also important. Constantly putting most of your weight on one leg can lead to uneven shoulders and hips, which directly affects the position of the jaw. You might notice that your TMD symptoms are triggered after standing in a leaning position for a long time.
Protect Your TMJ
Being aware of your posture and correcting it when you notice slouching or leaning will help you protect your jaw joint and avoid triggering symptoms. It is also best to avoid scrolling on your phone with your head and shoulders hunched over.
We know it is not always possible to avoid sitting for long periods, but you can be mindful of how you are sitting to improve your posture. Of course, there are all kinds of aids to make adopting better posture easier. Please do your due diligence to make sure any device you purchase will benefit you and not do additional harm.
We are here to offer advice if you need tips on how to counteract the effects of incorrect posture. Contact any of our offices, located in Silverdale, Federal Way, Bellevue, and Lynnwood, WA, for more information on TMD and posture or to schedule an appointment. We are always happy to hear from you!