Did you know that poor posture could be making your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain worse? If you spend hours at a desk, looking down at your phone, or carrying stress in your shoulders, your posture might be straining your jaw—without you even realising it.
At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we see this all the time. Simple posture adjustments can make a world of difference in reducing TMJ-related pain, stiffness, and dysfunction.
Let’s explore how body alignment impacts your jaw - and what you can do to find relief.
How Posture Affects TMJ Pain
1️⃣ Forward Head Posture (FHP) Increases Jaw Stress
💡 The problem: Many of us unknowingly let our heads drift forward (thanks to phones and computers), shifting our center of gravity.
💡 Why it matters: Every inch your head moves forward adds extra strain on the jaw and neck muscles, increasing fatigue and pain.
2️⃣ Neck and Shoulder Tension Worsens TMJ Symptoms
💡 The problem: The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and trapezius muscles overwork to support poor posture, leading to tension headaches and jaw discomfort.
💡 Why it matters: This tightness pulls on the jaw joint, causing clicking, popping, or sharp pain.
3️⃣ Poor Posture Affects Tongue Position and Breathing
💡 The problem: Slouching encourages mouth breathing and poor tongue posture.
💡 Why it matters: A low tongue posture reduces jaw stability, increasing stress on the TMJ.
4️⃣ Spinal Alignment Impacts Jaw Function
💡 The problem: A misaligned spine throws off jaw movement, making symptoms worse.
💡 Why it matters: Correcting upper cervical posture can significantly relieve TMJ-related discomfort.
✅ How to Improve Posture to Reduce TMJ Pain
✔ Maintain a Neutral Head Position
Keep ears aligned with shoulders while sitting and standing.
Adjust screens to eye level to prevent slouching.
✔ Strengthen Postural Muscles
Practice neck retraction exercises (gently pull your chin back).
Stretch the SCM and trapezius muscles to ease tension.
Try yoga or Pilates for core and spinal support.
✔ Practice Proper Jaw and Tongue Posture
Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth (not against your teeth).
Keep your teeth slightly apart to avoid unconscious clenching.
✔ Improve Sleeping Position
Sleep on your back with a supportive pillow for proper neck alignment.
✔ Be Mindful of Stress and Clenching
Check throughout the day: Are your teeth touching? They shouldn’t be!
Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle jaw massages.
👐 How We Can Help
At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we take a hands-on, whole-body approach to TMJ treatment. Our unique care includes:
✅ Manual therapy to release tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders.✅ Dry needling & laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.✅ Postural retraining to help you break bad habits and prevent future issues.
Every patient receives personalised treatment designed to restore pain-free movement and function. If TMJ pain is holding you back, we’d love to help you feel better.
📍 Find us at: Suite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim📞 Call us: 07 3532 8605🖥 Book online: Click here to book an appointment
💬 Have questions? Reach out—we’re here to help 😊
By Simon
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