Author Archives: Stop Jaw Clenching Team

Poor Posture and TMJ

Poor posture can impact TMJ disorders, as per MedlinePlus. If you spend a lot of time at a computer, become aware of your head position. If you’re leaning in to read what’s on the screen, your head is likely forward of your body. That leads to muscle strain in the neck and upper back area as these muscle support our heavy heads.

Become aware of your head position while walking and standing. Is your head forward of your shoulders? If so, consciously adjust your posture. Bend your knees a bit, do a slight pelvic tilt upwards, and pull your chin and shoulders back. And remember to relax…

What to do:

  • Make sure your head is in the proper position, with your ears over your shoulders.
  • Take frequent stretching breaks.
  • If you do weights or strengthening exercises, include exercises – like the rowing machine – that pull the shoulders blades together. Stretch to open the chest area as it becomes tight and bowed forward.
  • Make sure your work area is set-up correctly. More on this at American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons

OPPERA Study on TMJ Disorders

The OPPERA study on TMJ Disorders is a 7-year, $19.1 million study with an aim to find out who develops TMJ. This may then shed light on the best treatments for the disorder.

A total of 3200 people will be enrolled in the project.

As per their site: OPPERA is an acronym for Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment. A Study of Muscle, Joint and Jaw Function.

The four bases of the study are at the:
– University of North Carolina
– University of Maryland
– State University of New York at Buffalo
– University of Florida

The study was announced in 2006. If you’re between the ages 18-44 and interested in the study, you could contact one of the study centers listed on the OPPERA site to see if they’re still looking for participants.

To read about the study visit the OPPERA site at: www.oppera.org or The Nih.gov site.