😬 TMJ & Jaw Pain: How Stress and Posture Affect More Than You Think
If you’ve ever felt your jaw click, tighten, or ache when you chew — or noticed headaches and neck tension that seem connected — you might be experiencing TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular joint issues).
At Align & Restore Chiropractic in Pascoe Vale, we often see patients who’ve been to dentists or doctors for jaw pain, only to discover that posture, stress, and spinal alignment are playing a major role.
🧠 What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull — it’s what lets you talk, chew, and yawn.
When this joint or the surrounding muscles become tight, inflamed, or misaligned, symptoms can appear such as:
😣 Jaw clicking or popping
💭 Pain when chewing or talking
🤕 Headaches or ear pressure
💆 Neck and facial tension
Because the TMJ is so close to your neck and skull, it’s common for discomfort to spread between these areas — especially if your posture isn’t supporting proper alignment.
💢 The Posture and Stress Connection
Posture and tension go hand-in-hand.
When your head drifts forward (think phone scrolling or computer work), it changes the way your jaw muscles function. Over time, this can create imbalance and strain on the TMJ.
Add in stress, and it’s a perfect storm. Many people clench or grind their teeth subconsciously — especially during stressful times or while sleeping.
This constant pressure can tighten jaw muscles, restrict movement, and even contribute to tension headaches.
🌿 How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Align & Restore Chiropractic, we look beyond the jaw itself to understand what’s contributing to your discomfort.
Gentle chiropractic care can help by:
💆 Improving spinal and neck alignment
🔄 Releasing tension through the jaw, neck, and shoulders
🧘 Supporting the nervous system to reduce stress and muscle guarding
🪷 Promoting balanced movement and posture
We may also offer lifestyle and stretching advice to help you manage stress and prevent symptoms from returning.
✨ Tips to Relieve Jaw Tension at Home
💋 Be aware of clenching: Keep your teeth slightly apart when resting.
🧘 Practice relaxation: Deep breathing and gentle neck stretches can help reduce muscle tension.
📱 Mind your posture: Keep screens at eye level to prevent head-forward posture.
💦 Warm compress: A warm towel over the jaw can ease muscle tightness.
Small daily habits can make a big difference when it comes to jaw health and overall comfort.
🌼 Don’t Let Jaw Pain Hold You Back
Jaw tension and headaches aren’t just a dental issue — they’re often a sign your body needs better alignment and balance.
👉 Book an appointment at Align & Restore Chiropractic in Pascoe Vale to find gentle, effective relief from TMJ pain and get back to feeling relaxed and in control again.