Can Poor Posture Cause TMJ Dysfunction? Here’s the Truth

John Velasquez • November 20, 2025

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause discomfort, jaw pain, and difficulty with everyday activities like chewing or speaking. While many factors contribute to TMJ dysfunction, one question often comes up: Can poor posture make it worse?

In this article, we will explain what TMJ disorder is, explore its early signs, and reveal how common posture mistakes might be linked to jaw pain. Understanding this connection is key to finding the right treatment and relief.

What is a TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth, chew, and speak. A TMJ disorder occurs when this joint or the muscles around it don’t work properly, causing discomfort or restricting the movement of your jaw.

People with TMJ disorders may experience symptoms such as jaw clicking or popping, difficulty opening the mouth fully, headaches, or soreness around the ear and face. Although the root cause of the condition may vary, TMJ problems often stem from injury, arthritis, or even teeth grinding.

Early Signs of TMJ Disorder

Jaw pain or tenderness, especially around the joint or muscles
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or speaking
Limited ability to open the mouth wide
Headaches or earaches that don’t seem related to an ear infection
A feeling of the jaw getting stuck or locked in place

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional who can assess your jaw and recommend the next course of action.

Is There a Connection Between Bad Posture and TMJ Dysfunction?

Yes, poor posture can contribute to TMJ dysfunction.

When your head and neck are not properly aligned, such as when you slump forward or hold your head too far ahead of your shoulders, it puts extra strain on the muscles around your jaw and neck. Over time, this misalignment can lead to muscle tightness, jaw pain, and even clicking or popping sounds in the joint.

While posture is not the only cause of TMJ disorders, correcting poor posture is often an important part of TMJ dysfunction treatment in Toronto.

Common Postural Mistakes Leading to TMJ Pain

Forward Head Posture: Holding your head too far forward from your shoulders increases strain on the neck and jaw muscles.
Slouching: Rounded shoulders and a hunched back can affect how your jaw aligns, adding further tension in your jaw.
Cradling the Phone: Holding your phone between your ear and shoulder puts uneven pressure on your neck and jaw.
Poor Desk Setup: Sitting at a desk that is too low or high, or looking down at a screen for long periods, can encourage bad posture and strain on your jaw.
Clenching or Grinding Jaw: Often worsened by stress and poor posture, this can overload the muscles around the temporomandibular joint.

Don’t Let TMJ Affect Your Daily Life - Seek Professional Help at Rosedale Wellness Centre

If you suspect poor posture might be contributing to the discomfort in your temporomandibular joint, professional help is available at Rosedale Wellness Centre.

Our team of experienced chiropractors and health professionals specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, eventually focusing on correcting posture to relieve muscle tension. At Rosedale Wellness, you will receive personalized care according to your specific and unique needs through hands-on treatments and targeted therapies.

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