How Posture Influences How Much Jaw Pain You Feel

Posted on 10/1/2025 by Beaverton Oral Surgeons

Blonde woman holding jaw in dental chair

Have you ever noticed that your jaw pain seems worse on days when you've been hunched over a computer or phone for hours? It's not just your imagination. There's a strong connection between posture and jaw pain.

In fact, poor posture is one of the most common contributing factors to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint. TMD can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

•	Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
•	Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
•	Pain and tenderness in the jaw, face, and neck
•	Headaches
•	Earaches

While there are many factors that can contribute to TMD, such as arthritis and jaw injuries, poor posture is a major culprit. This is because when you slouch or hunch forward, your head juts forward, putting extra strain on your neck and jaw muscles. Over time, this strain can lead to inflammation and pain in the TMJ.

How to Improve Your Posture to Reduce Jaw Pain

The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your posture and reduce jaw pain. Here are a few tips:

•	Be mindful of your posture throughout the day. When you're sitting or standing, make sure your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed. Your head should be balanced over your shoulders, not jutting forward.
•	Take breaks every 20-30 minutes. If you're sitting at a desk, get up and move around every 20-30 minutes. This will help to prevent your muscles from getting tight and strained.
•	Stretch your neck and shoulders regularly. Stretching your neck and shoulders can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, which can reduce strain on the TMJ.
•	Try using a posture corrector. A posture corrector can help to train your body to maintain proper alignment.

When to See a Dentist

If you're experiencing jaw pain, it's important to see a dentist for an evaluation. They will be able to diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.

In some cases, jaw pain may be related to a dental problem, such as a misaligned bite or missing teeth. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend restoration dentistry to correct the problem and relieve your pain.

By improving your posture and following the tips above, you can reduce your risk of developing jaw pain. However, if you do experience jaw pain, it's important to see a dentist for an evaluation and treatment.

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