The TMJ No More™(The TMJ Solution) By Christian Goodman In this eBook the author has shared he has shared his experiences while treating his 12 years old chronic problems of severe tinnitus and TMJ disorders. He has enabled thousands of people all over the world, regardless of their gender, by teaching them how to get rid of their disorders related to TMJ faster than your expectations without using any drugs, mouth guards to splints or facing the risk of any surgery.
How does poor posture contribute to TMJ disorders?
Poor posture can significantly contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) by affecting the alignment and function of the jaw, neck, and associated muscles. Here’s a detailed explanation of how poor posture leads to TMJ disorders:
1. Forward Head Posture
Description:
- Forward head posture occurs when the head is positioned in front of the shoulders, often due to activities like using computers, smartphones, or prolonged sitting.
Impact on TMJ:
- Muscle Imbalance: This posture places strain on the muscles of the neck and shoulders, leading to imbalances that affect the jaw. The muscles connected to the TMJ, such as the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius, can become tense and overworked (NIDCR) (AAFP).
- Joint Misalignment: Forward head posture can pull the jaw backward, altering its alignment and increasing stress on the TMJ. This misalignment can lead to joint dysfunction and pain (AAFP).
2. Altered Jaw Mechanics
Description:
- Poor posture can change the mechanics of how the jaw opens and closes.
Impact on TMJ:
- Improper Jaw Movement: The altered position of the head and neck can cause the jaw to move in an unnatural way, leading to excessive wear and tear on the TMJ. This can result in pain, clicking, and popping sounds in the jaw (NIDCR) (AAFP).
- Increased Joint Load: When the head is not aligned properly, the TMJ has to compensate for the imbalance, increasing the load on the joint and surrounding structures. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and joint damage (NIDCR) (AAFP).
3. Muscle Tension and Spasms
Description:
- Poor posture often leads to chronic muscle tension and spasms in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Impact on TMJ:
- Referred Pain: Tension in the neck and shoulder muscles can cause referred pain to the TMJ area. This means that pain originating from tight muscles in the neck and shoulders can be felt in the jaw, contributing to TMJ symptoms (NIDCR).
- Myofascial Pain: The muscles around the TMJ can develop trigger points (knots of muscle tension) due to poor posture, leading to myofascial pain syndrome. This condition causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw muscles and the TMJ (AAFP).
4. Impact on Breathing and Swallowing
Description:
- Poor posture can affect breathing patterns and the mechanics of swallowing.
Impact on TMJ:
- Mouth Breathing: Forward head posture can lead to mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing. Mouth breathing requires different muscle activity and can alter the position of the jaw, contributing to TMJ dysfunction (NIDCR).
- Swallowing Mechanics: Poor posture can affect the coordination of muscles involved in swallowing, leading to increased strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles (NIDCR).
5. Overall Postural Alignment
Description:
- Good posture involves the correct alignment of the head, neck, shoulders, and spine.
Impact on TMJ:
- Postural Correction: Improving overall posture can alleviate the strain on the TMJ by ensuring that the jaw is properly aligned with the rest of the body. This can reduce muscle tension, joint stress, and improve jaw function (NIDCR) (AAFP).
Strategies for Improving Posture to Prevent TMD
- Ergonomic Adjustments
- Ensure that workstations are set up to promote good posture, with screens at eye level and chairs that support the natural curve of the spine.
- Regular Breaks
- Take regular breaks from sitting or looking at screens to stretch and move around, reducing muscle tension and promoting better posture.
- Exercises and Stretches
- Incorporate exercises and stretches that strengthen the neck, shoulder, and back muscles. Yoga and Pilates can be particularly beneficial for improving posture.
- Awareness and Mindfulness
- Practice mindfulness and body awareness techniques to recognize and correct poor posture throughout the day.
Conclusion
Poor posture contributes to TMJ disorders by causing muscle imbalance, joint misalignment, improper jaw mechanics, muscle tension, and altered breathing and swallowing patterns. Addressing postural issues through ergonomic adjustments, regular movement, exercises, and mindfulness can help prevent and alleviate TMD symptoms. Understanding the relationship between posture and TMJ health is crucial for managing and preventing TMJ disorders effectively.
References
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). TMJ Disorders
- Mayo Clinic. TMJ Disorders
- Cleveland Clinic. TMJ Disorders
The TMJ No More™(The TMJ Solution) By Christian Goodman In this eBook the author has shared he has shared his experiences while treating his 12 years old chronic problems of severe tinnitus and TMJ disorders. He has enabled thousands of people all over the world, regardless of their gender, by teaching them how to get rid of their disorders related to TMJ faster than your expectations without using any drugs, mouth guards to splints or facing the risk of any surgery.
Blue Heron Health News
Back in the spring of 2008, Christian Goodman put together a group of like-minded people – natural researchers who want to help humanity gain optimum health with the help of cures that nature has provided. He gathered people who already know much about natural medicine and setup blueheronhealthnews.com.
Today, Blue Heron Health News provides a variety of remedies for different kinds of illnesses. All of their remedies are natural and safe, so they can be used by anyone regardless of their health condition. Countless articles and eBooks are available on their website from Christian himself and other natural health enthusiasts, such as Shelly Manning Jodi Knapp and Scott Davis.
About Christian Goodman
Christian Goodman is the CEO of Blue Heron Health News. He was born and raised in Iceland, and challenges have always been a part of the way he lived. Combining this passion for challenge and his obsession for natural health research, he has found a lot of solutions to different health problems that are rampant in modern society. He is also naturally into helping humanity, which drives him to educate the public on the benefits and effectiveness of his natural health methods.