It may be hard to believe, but TMD-related symptoms in the jaw region can be a result of poor posture. Our posture while sitting and standing can impact how our entire body functions, from blood circulation to back pain. Correcting poor posture is one of the best homeopathic treatments for TMD, so making the effort to stand up straight is well worth it.
Keep reading for tips on how to correct posture issues in different areas of the body while standing up and walking around.
Posture Pointers for the Head and Neck
The neck and head are where TMD problems exist, so correct posture in this region is particularly important.
- Keep your head up. Tilting your head downward causes unnatural arching in the cervical curve.
- Keep your chin parallel with the ground when walking.
- The head should be held so it isn’t tilted to one side.
- Don’t push the neck forward so that your head is out over your chest.
Posture Pointers for the Shoulders and Chest
If your shoulders aren’t back and your chest isn’t open the body will slump forward. There are many causes for “rounded shoulders”, but there are even more ways to fix the problem.
- Loosen tight pectoral muscles with deep tissue massage.
- Do daily stretches to lengthen the muscles in the chest, shoulders and arms.
- Strengthen the muscles with rowing, pull-ups and wall angles instead of push-ups and bench presses.
- Practice rolling your shoulders back and pushing your elbows towards your buttocks to open up the chest and straighten the back.
- If you’ve ever injured your shoulders or clavicle and have pain in that region therapy may be needed due to shortened muscles and tissue.
- Keep your chest perpendicular with the floor.
Posture Pointers for the Back and Abdomen
The spine is the epicenter of good posture. When it’s strong and in the natural s-curve position it’s easier to keep the rest of the body in line.
- Keep your abdomen pulled in.
- Focus on building up the muscles in your back so it offers more support while standing.
- Don’t slump or arch your back forward while walking.
- Try Intelliskin shirts. These are a new type of compression garment that helps train muscles to position themselves for improved posture.
Posture Pointers for the Lower Body
Some would argue that when standing, posture starts from the ground up. What happens from your feet to your hips has a dramatic affect on posture.
- If your feet are weak they will tend to roll inward, creating poor posture. Strengthen the muscles in your feet by walking barefoot more often.
- Stand evenly on the entire foot instead of putting the majority of the weight in your heels or the balls of the feet.
- Work on your balance to improve movements and posture while moving.
- When standing still keep feet about hip width apart.
- Keep your weight balanced evenly between both feet.
- Knees should be relaxed, not locked or bent.
- Wear supportive shoes and skip footwear with heels as much as possible.
Have you perfected your posture but still struggle with TMD problems? Then maybe it’s time to schedule a visit at MedCenter TMJ. We’ve helped many patients in the Houston area by carefully diagnosing the cause of TMD and creating customized TMD treatment plans that target specific issues. Call us today or use the online form to set up an appointment.
Original source: https://www.medcentertmj.com/healthy-living/posture-pointers-standing-straight-head/