TMJ Disorder Therapy And Posture: How Alignment Affects Symptoms
Posture and Pain: Understanding TMJ Disorder Therapy Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders cause discomfort and functional limitations in the jaw and surrounding facial muscles. While addressing the jaw joint directly is an important component, TMJ disorder therapy increasingly considers postural alignment, as the position of the head and neck can influence symptoms. Comprehensive management often incorporates strategies that connect the jaw, neck, and overall posture to support more balanced function and comfort. The Alignment Connection: Head, Neck, and Jaw The TMJ functions as a delicate hinge, highly sensitive to muscle tension and gravitational forces. When the head and neck posture is suboptimal—such as adopting a forward head position common when looking at screens—the muscles supporting the head and jaw must work harder. This misalignment pulls the lower jaw backward and downward, increasing strain on the TMJ ligaments and disc. Over time, this chronic tension contri...