Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ, can be painful and will require the help of a TMJ specialist. This type of disorder can impact sleep, eating, and even speaking. According to Statista, as of 2020, the global market value of medications for treating TMJ disorders was valued at approximately $227 million. By 2027, this value is expected to exceed $303 million. There are many causes of TMJ, including teeth grinding, jaw injuries, and even your posture. Here’s a closer look at how posture is related to TMJ disorders.
Can Bad Posture Lead to TMJ Disorders?
Many people don’t realize this, but bad posture can, in fact, lead to TMJ disorders. It’s important to note that this isn’t the leading cause of these disorders, and it does take time for bad posture to lead to TMJ disorders. However, after years of bad posture, TMJ disorders can present themselves.
How Is Posture Related to TMJ Disorders?
Your body works at its best when everything is aligned. When things aren’t aligned, you can start to experience many different symptoms or issues throughout your body. Poor posture can lead to your spine being misaligned, which can cause your lower jaw to start to protrude forward. Over time, this creates a bad bite, also known as an under-bite. Both jaw issues and underbite are common causes of TMJ disorders.
Can Posture-Related TMJ Be Treated?
If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment from a TMJ specialist. If they determine you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms related to poor posture, they may try different types of treatment to solve the issue. To start with, you must first align your spine. This may involve treatment from a chiropractor, physical therapy, or simply being more aware of your spine position and posture throughout the day. Once your spine is aligned, you may need treatment to re-align your jaw. The treatments available can range from aligners to braces to surgical treatments.
TMJ disorders can cause many issues, including headaches, jaw pain, facial pain, earaches, tooth pain, ringing in the ears, and jaw popping or clicking. No one should have to live with the negative issues TMJ can cause. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and either suspect or know you are suffering from this condition, a TMJ specialist can help you. Reach out to TMJ Care today to schedule an appointment.