Do you used to enjoy delicious meals as a treat to yourself, but now dread meal time because chewing brings you unbearable pain? Does the thought of opening your mouth to yawn or talk send shivers down your spine? Do you feel isolated because social events involve food and laughter, two things that now bring you pain instead of joy? Instead of looking for your next food stop, is your web search history now focused on finding the best TMJ pain relief?

If you're nodding or answering yes quietly to any of these questions, then you understand the daily struggles of living with TMJ pain. The constant aching in your jaw, ear, and temple can affect your mood and productivity and even negatively impact your relationships. Finding TMJ pain relief that works best for you is necessary to get back to a life you really enjoy, the life you know before all the pain started overwhelming you.

Posture and TMJ: They’re More Related That You Can Ever Imagine!

When you experience TMJ pain, the first thing in mind may be an issue in your jaw or teeth. But did you know that your posture can also influence your TMJ? It can make your TMJ pain worse. Yes, you read that right! 

Poor posture can have a domino effect on your body, leading to misalignments in your spine that can worsen your TMJ pain. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and is responsible for the movements of your jaw. When you have TMJ disorder, this joint becomes inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas. 

Poor posture can cause misalignments in your Upper Cervical spine due to repetitive stress. This undue changes in the spinal column can also cause your lower jaw to protrude forward and create a bad bite (also known as malocclusion). This bad bite can strain the TMJ, aggravating your TMJ pain and discomfort.

Being mindful of your posture daily can relieve the additional stress on your jaw, so it's best to always sit up straight, keep your shoulders relaxed, and avoid slouching. Additionally, seeking Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care can help realign your spine for lasting TMJ pain relief.

You Can Enjoy TMJ Pain Relief: Call an Upper Cervical Doctor

Upper Cervical Care is a form of chiropractic care that focuses on the alignment of the topmost spine (your atlas and axis vertebrae). Misalignments in this area can cause nerve interference and muscle tension, contributing to TMJ pain and dysfunction. 

Several factors, such as trauma to the head or neck, repetitive stress, and poor posture, can cause Upper Cervical misalignment. So, try to ask yourself things like: 

• Have I ever been in a car accident that lead to concussions or whiplash? 
• Did I ever have sports injuries and felt extreme neck pain afterwards? 
• Did I fall or slip and landed on my head? 
• Does my work require using the computer for extended periods or holding the phone between the ear and shoulder? 

If you say yes to any of these questions or trapped in a situation that caused neck strain or head injuries before, be sure to consult with an Upper Cervical doctor. 

Patients who receive upper cervical care for TMJ pain report significant improvements in their TMJ symptoms, including decreased pain, increased range of motion, and improved jaw function. So, you might want to tap into this holistic care technique so you can avoid dealing with the repercussions of TMJ disorders or other health concerns that result from neck bone misalignments like headaches, vertigo, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain.

Experience the benefits of Upper Cervical Care by booking a consultation today. Use our Upper Cervical Practice directory to find someone to help you fix your posture and correct neck bone misalignments.