They say first impressions are everything and that about 90 percent of communication is nonverbal. What kind of message do people with poor posture send out then? The mutual agreement is that poor posture equals disinterest and poor self-esteem, among other undesirable assumptions. The truth is, TMJ disorder might be ruining your posture and, therefore, people’s perception of you.
How Are the TMJ and Posture Connected?
The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a hinge joint where your mandible or jaw bone meets your skull, specifically your temporal bone. Where then is the connection between the jaw and posture? Joints are intersections of various bodily structures. Bones, muscles, and ligaments all meet here to work together to produce movement.
If there is a dysfunction in the operation of the TMJ, strain is put on the system. The associated muscles and ligaments are forced to take on this additional strain in an effort to course-correct and, as a result, pull on adjacent systems to compensate. This is where posture comes in.
How Might TMJ Disorder Ruin Posture?
In addition to the suspected victims of a TMJ disorder (TMD), your face and neck, TMJ disorders can also affect body positioning and posture. While attempting to compensate for a sloping jaw, your head and neck will adjust their positions. This strain can result in:
- Shrugged shoulders
- Hunching
- Head leaning forward
- Weak abdominal muscles
- Other postural improprieties
For additional information, see this article written by Dr. Marzban in the Washingtonian.
Beyond Posture
TMJ-induced postural dysfunction goes beyond just affecting the way you present; it can have significant effects on the body as a whole. Some of the issues related to TMD are:
- Irregular blood pressure
- Deterioration of digestive function
- Back or spinal pain
- Decreased oxygenation of your organs
- Diminished lung capacity
With a regularly scheduled examination, Dr. Pamela Marzban and our dental team can examine your jaw joint using our advanced dental technology, which includes using the K-7 computer system, jaw tracking, computerized mandibular scanning, and T-Scan digital bite measurement.
Correct TMJ Disorder and Poor Posture in Burke, VA
Dr. Pamela Marzban has years of experience treating patients with cosmetic dental problems, TMJ disorder, and airway issues. By promoting and focusing on Beauty, Balance, and Breath, our dedicated team of dental professionals provides patients with beautiful, balanced, and functional smiles. For more information on how TMJ disorder might be ruining your posture and what treatment options are available, contact Dr. Pamela Marzban’s office at703-323-8200 or visit our contact form [link id=’50003′ text=’here’ esc_html=’false’].
