At Soma Vita Physio, we specialize in treating TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain by taking a whole-body approach. This means we don’t just look at the jaw in isolation—we assess how your posture, breathing patterns, and stress levels interplay with your symptoms. Our philosophy is rooted in uncovering the root cause of pain rather than just managing symptoms.
TMJ Pain and The Role of Posture
Your posture has a direct impact on your TMJ. For example, a forward head position—a common postural issue—can overload the muscles around your jaw and neck. Over time, this imbalance contributes to increased strain on the TMJ, leading to pain, clicking, or even difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Correcting posture doesn’t just alleviate jaw pain; it can also prevent other musculoskeletal issues from developing. That’s why, during your evaluation at Soma Vita Physio, we assess your entire body alignment, including the pelvis and spine, as they play a critical role in maintaining proper posture.
The Breathing and Stress Connection
Breathing patterns are another piece of the puzzle. Many individuals with TMJ pain have dysfunctional breathing patterns, such as shallow chest breathing. This can exacerbate tension in the neck and shoulders, which directly impacts the jaw.
Stress often compounds this problem. When stressed, the body’s autonomic nervous system shifts into a heightened fight-or-flight state, causing us to clench our jaws, tighten our shoulders, and even grind our teeth (bruxism). Chronic stress can perpetuate a cycle of TMJ pain and discomfort.
At Soma Vita Physio, we incorporate strategies to restore healthy breathing patterns and help regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing stress’s physical toll on your body.
Want to learn more about how breathing and the vagus nerve can influence stress and TMJ pain? Check out our social media for videos and tips that dive deeper into this connection.
Real Patient Success Story: Finding the Root Cause
One of our patients, a woman in her mid-30s, lets call her Sandy for privacy- came to us with chronic TMJ pain, tension headaches, and occasional neck stiffness. She had tried other treatments with minimal relief, and her symptoms were beginning to affect her quality of life.
During Sandy’s assessment, we discovered that her pelvic alignment was off, causing compensations up her spine and into her neck and jaw. Every time she moved or stood, this misalignment created stress on her neck, feeding into her TMJ dysfunction.
By addressing her pelvic imbalance through manual therapy, specific exercises, and posture correction, we were able to relieve the root cause of her symptoms. As we restored better movement patterns and posture, her jaw pain and headaches disappeared—and stayed gone.
Why Our Approach Works
TMJ pain is rarely just about the jaw. At Soma Vita Physio, we pride ourselves on digging deeper to understand how different systems in your body are interconnected. Whether it’s your pelvis, neck, or breathing habits, we aim to address the root cause of your pain for long-term relief.
If TMJ pain, headaches, or neck stiffness are interfering with your life, let’s work together to uncover the root cause and get you back to feeling your best.
Book a Discovery Call Today
Ready to find a solution to your TMJ pain? Contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
