You know that nagging advice from your mother telling you to sit up straight? If you have neck, head, or facial pain, maybe you should have listened to her! We frequently discuss how grinding your teeth causes problems with your TMJ, but did you know poor posture causes similar consequences? If you’re slouching as you read this, visit Dr. Greenfield for a TMJ analysis.
How Does Poor Posture Affect Your Jaw?
Poor posture puts your spine in an unnatural position, creating tension and stress on your spine and back muscles. When you alter your natural upright position, you may not realize that it affects your facial muscles. For example, when you hunch forward, your lower jaw shifts forward and your muscles become unaligned. If your shoulders are uneven, one side of your neck and jaw is pulled downward. When your muscles become unbalanced and unaligned, one side of your face has to work more than the other to attempt to restore natural balance.
Symptoms of Poor Posture
Slouching, hunching, or leaning can cause pain and discomfort that affects your whole body. Try sitting up straight if you notice any of these signs:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Earaches
- Jaw pain
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Toothaches
Proper, straight posture not only relieves muscle tension, but also makes you look more professional, well-mannered, and courteous.
If adjusting your posture doesn’t work to reduce your jaw misalignment, Dr. Greenfield can help correct your muscle imbalances through a non-invasive splint therapy. Repositioning your jaw joints can help relieve your muscle tension and pain. Call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, Michigan, at (248) 693-6213 to request a posture and TMJ assessment. We welcome patients from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.
