5 ways to avoid Headaches & TMJ

TMJ statistics

Statistic #1: 1 out of every 12 people in the United States are currently affected by a TMJ disorder. That’s 12% of the country’s population and equals about 35 million people. This number may be higher due to improper and undiagnosed cases.

Statistic #2: TMJ disorders are four times more common in women than it is for men.

Statistic #3: More than 90% of patients who are seeking treatment for their TMJ disorder are women in their childbearing years.

Statistic #4: Only about 50 to 60% of people with a TMJ disorder will seek treatment. Those who don’t get treatment continue to live with painful side effects. In fact, 15% of those left untreated will even develop a chronic TMJ disorder.

Statistic #5: It is estimated that for every 100 million working adults in the United States, TMJ disorders contribute to 17.8 million lost work days annually.

Avoiding Headaches & TMJ

Step 1: Avoiding Forward Head Posture

Forward Head Posture pulls on your suprahyoid muscles, which pulls your mandible posteriorly, and that will compress the temporomandibular joint causing pain. 

Step 2: Avoid para-functiononal behaviors

No chewing on pencils, biting nails etc..

Step 3: Proper oral positioning

Lips closed, tongue to the palate, breath through the nose. 

Step 4: Avoid Food Allergens

A stuffy nose at bedtime will make swallowing difficult,  nasal obstruction, mouth breathing and that can cause clenching.

Step 5: Protect your eye posture

If you read in bed or watch TV make sure that you are not tilting your head too far back or forward, and that screens are centered so that your neck can be in a rested position.