Medically reviewed by Misty Seidenburg
We tend to think of posture as something that only affects the neck, shoulders, and back, but it has a significant impact on other areas of the body. Pain and dysfunction in the jaw and temporomandibular joint are also commonly affected. Here, we explore the connection between poor posture and jaw pain and provide practical strategies to correct alignment.
To learn how posture affects jaw pain, it’s helpful to understand the basic anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull and is responsible for the movements that allow you to chew, speak, and swallow.
Poor posture can place excessive strain on the neck and upper back, leading to tension and muscle imbalances. This tension creates a domino effect that extends to the jaw. When the body is out of alignment, the muscles surrounding the TMJ that assist with movement can become overworked or stressed, eventually leading to jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction.
Keep in mind that while these symptoms may be related to posture problems, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Jaw pain can stem from various sources, including oral health issues.
Now, let’s explore how the way we sit, stand, and walk may be affecting your jaw. Common postural problems associated with jaw pain include:
This occurs when the head protrudes forward, adding pressure to the neck and jaw muscles as they struggle to support the weight of the head. This position often affects individuals who spend extended periods sitting or staring at screens.
Poor sitting and standing posture can lead to rounded shoulders, or slouching. When we slouch, our head naturally dips forward so in order to look up we must extend our head.. This posture compresses the middle spine, which can result in jaw pain and tension.
When we spend prolonged periods of time in certain positions, some muscles may become tight and overactive while others are weak and underactive. When the muscles involved in jaw movement become imbalanced, it can lead to pain and tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
The good news is jaw pain from slouching and other posture problems often respond well to physical therapy. Research shows that postural training combined with self-care for TMJ disorders is significantly more effective than self-care alone. Here is what you can expect from physical therapy for jaw pain.
Treatment starts with an assessment of your posture to identify the factors contributing to your jaw pain. Once your physical therapist identifies the root causes, they create a personalized treatment plan to improve your posture and restore proper alignment throughout your body.
TMJ physical therapy typically combines posture correction exercises, jaw relaxation techniques, and manual therapy to alleviate symptoms and prevent their recurrence.
Posture correction exercises are designed to improve muscular endurance and “retrain” the body to maintain proper alignment, easing excess strain on joints and muscles. Gentle stretches and breathing exercises help relax the jaw and reduce pain.
Hands-on treatments, including soft tissue massage and joint mobilization, ease muscle tension and improve mobility in the neck and jaw. Dry needling is another technique used to alleviate muscle pain and tension by inserting thin, sterile needles into tender or tight trigger points in the muscle.
By addressing both the source of your posture problems and the resulting jaw pain, physical therapy provides long-term relief and helps prevent future discomfort.
In addition to physical therapy, consider incorporating the following simple exercises and lifestyle changes into your daily routine to relieve and prevent posture-related jaw pain.
Posture plays a key role in the health of your jaw and TMJ, and poor posture can contribute to muscle tension and jaw pain. Fortunately, with the help of physical therapy and targeted exercises, you can address posture-related issues and reduce jaw pain.
Good posture isn’t just about looking confident—it’s key to your overall well-being, including your jaw health! If you’re experiencing discomfort, consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalized treatment and guidance to get back on track. Visit a physical therapy clinic near you to get started.
