Are you suffering from chronic jaw pain in San Ramon due to a TMJ disorder? To get the relief you deserve, it’s important to have a firm grasp on what’s causing the problem. You may be aware of common risk factors such as bruxism or a misaligned bite, but what you might not have realized is that your posture can also make a difference. Here’s a closer look at how the way you hold your body while standing or sitting could lead to TMJ-related problems.
Posture and TMJ Disorder
A TMJ disorder is a condition involving the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that keep the lower jaw connected to the rest of your skull. It can occur when the TMJs are damaged or overburdened, which can easily lead to pain in your jaw as well as various other symptoms such as headaches and earaches.
So what does bad posture have to do with TMJ disorder? If you have a tendency to slouch or jut your head forward, it could end up taking your jaw out of its natural resting position. Consequently, your jaw joints and the muscles around them will be exposed to unnecessary amounts of pressure. Over time, this can cause a TMJ disorder to develop.
Addressing TMJ Disorder by Correcting Your Posture
If you’re currently trying to get your TMJ disorder under control, improving your posture can often make a big difference. To do so, try following these basic steps:
- Avoid leaning forward whenever you sit down. Make sure that your back remains in contact with the chair at all times. When working on a computer, position the screen so that it’s at eye level.
- Keep your back as straight as possible while standing or walking. Your shoulders should be down and back, and your head should remain in line with your spine.
- Avoid staying in the same position for too long. If you often sit for extended periods of time, remember to stand up and stretch every 30 to 60 minutes.
Changing your posture is only one of several steps that you should be taking to combat TMJ disorder. You will also need to seek professional treatment from your dentist. Nevertheless, it’s important not to underestimate the impact that posture can have on your jaw joints. Think carefully about the way you stand and sit, and make whatever corrections you need to in order to take a step closer to achieving lasting relief from your jaw pain.
About the Practice
At Oak Ridge Dental, our dentists strive to help all of our patients in San Ramon enjoy convenient, comprehensive dental care. We’re proud to offer a wide range of services, which include occlusal splints, nightguards, and trigger point injections for treating TMJ disorder. If you are looking for a solution for your chronic jaw pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our office by visiting our website, using our online scheduling tool, or calling (925) 735-6190.
