Posture is the window to your spine. TMJ problems and airway issues affects your posture tremendously. Many TMJ patients develop a forward head posture (FHP) as a result of changes in the way their teeth meet together. A studyat Tufts Craniofacial pain Center, showed that changing the position of the lower jaw affected body posture. The head is the “top block”, so if you have TMJ problems that lead to poor posture, other health affects from this FHP, can affect your overall health:
1) Increased pelvic tilt
2) increased lumbar lordosis
3) rounding of shoulders
4) compression of thoracic cavity
5) increased wear of intervertebral disc
6) increased muscle tension resulting in headaches
Note what happens to the neck and back in the first two figures when FHP ensues.
In addition, once the cervical spine is affected, it has been to affect TMJ related muscles, balance and coordination, swallowing, creation of vertigo and a host of other issues. Individuals do not have to experience all of these, but quite often there are multiple symptoms.
It is for this reason, attention to postural analysis and treatment is essential when treating TMJ and vice versa.
If you have any questions regarding Houston TMJ or Houston TMJ Dentist, please feel free to contact our office, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, 713-668-2289
