The connection between Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) and other physical conditions such as posture and spine health is less known. This lack of awareness often leads to prolonged suffering and delayed treatment. At the Bend Headache Center, our focus is on providing non-surgical and drug-free solutions. Learning about the impacts of TMJ on your posture and spine health can guide you towards better pain management.
Understanding TMJ
TMJ refers to the Temporomandibular Joint, the pivotal joint that connects your jaw to your skull’s temporal bone. It plays an integral role in many basic actions, including chewing, speaking, and yawning.
An impediment to its normal function—known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJD—may lead to a host of symptoms. These include:
- Persistent facial pain
- Ear pain without an identifiable cause
- Difficulty chewing food
- A clicking or grating sound when the jaw moves
TMJ and Posture: An Intertwined Relationship
There’s increasing evidence indicating that TMJD and poor posture fuel one another. Essentially, the improper alignment of your jaw joint can prompt you to hold your head out of alignment with your spine—a posture often called ‘forward head’ or ‘text neck’. This sort of posture results in undue strain on your neck and spine, which, in turn, exacerbates the symptoms of TMJD.
Effects on the Cervical Spine
Your cervical spine, located in the neck region, is designed to contain the smallest vertebrae but bear the weight of your head. So, when the alignment gets disrupted—due to the compensatory behavior prompted by TMJD—it leads to undue strain on the cervical spine. The resulting effects include:
- Pain in the neck and shoulder region
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Numbness in arms and fingers, caused by the compression of nerves
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Implications for the Lower Back
Your spine is designed to distribute weight and strain evenly. When your head is pushed forward due to poor posture, the rest of your spine must reposition defensively. This can lead to complications such as:
- Chronic back pain
- Sciatica (pain running down the buttock and leg)
- Eventual deformity if left untreated
Comprehensive Treatment at Bend Headache Center
At Bend Headache Center, we aim to target the source rather than managing only the symptoms. Our approach includes:
Oral Appliance Therapy
Primarily, we offer non-invasive oral appliances designed to correct your jaw alignment, thereby reducing TMJ-induced strain on your neck and spine.
Physical Therapy
We complement oral appliance therapy with exercises to improve your posture, strengthen your neck muscles, and promote better spinal alignment.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Finally, we provide advice on better working and sleeping positions, managing stress, healthy food habits, and other approaches to manage pain and prevent further TMJ issues.
In sum, timely intervention and an integrative approach to managing TMJD can dramatically improve the quality of life for affected individuals. There is help available—don’t let TMJ compromise your spinal health.
