The Subtle Relationship between Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and Forward Body Posture
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is an organizational term that is used to include the following:
physical activity
massage therapy
heating pads
specialized oral devices commonly associated with advanced dentistry
soft massage techniques
Professionals agree that none of these techniques are completely effective on their own, and examinations of related postural abnormalities may offer a viable avenue forward.
TMD and Posture
Recent studies have shown that forward head posture (FHP) may be linked to the pain that is traditionally associated with the condition.
In addition to pain in the jaw, individuals with FHP can also experience issues with the support structures in the lower half of the body. Patients might even be more at risk of developing injuries that are more commonly associated with highly active individuals. These may include the following:
tensile pain within the femur
shin splints
ankle rolls and sprains
The best way to avoid these problems is with a rigorously designed exercise program overseen by specialists within the field.
Improving Posture
A number of exercises can bring the occiput and the cervical spine into the treatment of the discomfort. Regular therapeutic sessions with specialized alignment devices should reduce pain and allow for a higher quality of life, especially among those patients who have suffered from restricted mandibular movement for many years.
Specialized Strengthening of Target Muscles
Weaknesses within the musculature of the spine can cause FHP. These weaknesses are caused by a number of factors, including the following:
bone disease
psychological stress
cubicle jobs
old age
Because hunching of the shoulders is so common, the reconditioning of the target muscles can have a number of benefits. With regular use of a special apparatus, most men and women should be able to strengthen their muscles and thus improve their posture. Gradual posture correction will help with discomfort that is located in the jaw, back, neck, and head. In fact, many individuals may even find that they feel better when performing tasks that strain the spinal muscles, such as sitting at a keyboard for eight hours.
Individuals who work to all of the finer things in life can then be enjoyed once again.
About the Author
Dr. Lev Kalika is a world-recognized expert in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, with 20+ years of clinical experience in advanced rehabilitative medicine. In addition to operating his clinical practice in Manhattan, he regularly publishes peer-reviewed research on ultrasound-guided therapies and procedures.
Dr. Kalika is an esteemed member of the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment ((SMST), and the only clinician in New York certified by the ISMST to perform extracorporeal shockwave therapy. He is also an active member of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), and has developed his own unique approach to dynamic functional and fascial ultrasonography.
In this instance, an athlete was originally diagnosed with minor quadriceps muscle strain and was treated for four weeks, with unsatisfactory results. When he came to our clinic, the muscle was not healing, and the patients’ muscle tissue had already begun to atrophy.
Upon examination using MSUS, we discovered that he had a full muscle thickness tear that had been overlooked by his previous provider. To mitigate damage and promote healing, surgery should have been performed immediately after the injury occurred. Because of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the patient now has permanent damage that cannot be corrected.
The most important advantage of Ultrasound over MRI imaging is its ability to zero in on the symptomatic region and obtain imaging, with active participation and feedback from the patient. Using dynamic MSUS, we can see what happens when patients contract their muscles, something that cannot be done with MRI. From a diagnostic perspective, this interaction is invaluable.
Dynamic ultrasonography examination demonstrating the full thickness tear and already occurring muscle atrophy due to misdiagnosis and not referring the patient to proper diagnostic workup
Demonstration of how very small muscle defect is made and revealed to be a complete tear with muscle contraction under diagnostic sonography (not possible with MRI)
Complete tear of rectus femoris with large hematoma (blood)
Separation of muscle ends due to tear elicited on dynamic sonography examination
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