TMD/Facial Pain and Forward Head Posture

The Subtle Relationship between Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and Forward Body Posture

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is an organizational term that is used to describe pain and discomfort associated with mastication. The discomfort itself is centered within the jaw muscles, but the face, neck, and head are also likely to be affected. The condition has typically been treated by dental professionals, orthodontists, and psychologists. Traditional treatment techniques are likely 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 facial pain. When individuals slump forward, they are ultimately causing their shoulders to become more rounded. This moves the head to an anterior position that is beyond the traditional resting location. The spinal muscles react in a way that alters the resting position of the mandible, thus leading 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 alignment. The primary goal is to reduce torque within the neck and shoulders while also reducing load on the musculature of the upper spine. When the shoulder, the scapula, and the thorax are brought into alignment, the stress on the cervical column itself will become normalized. A recognition of the role that posture plays in creating and enhancing facial pain is crucial to 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 correct their posture will ultimately notice both physical and psychological benefits. In addition to the amelioration of physical pain that is so often associated with temporomandibular joint disorder, people will also notice a more robust state of mind and perhaps even an increase in self-esteem. A reintroduction to all of the finer things in life can then be enjoyed once again.