If you’ve been dealing with jaw discomfort, clicking sounds, or facial tension, you might have heard the term TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction—and you’ve likely been told to see a dentist. While dental alignment and bite issues are often part of the picture, they’re not the whole story.
Emerging research is showing that your posture plays a crucial role in TMJ health, especially how your neck and upper spine are aligned. Why? Because everything in your body is connected—especially the way your spine, head, and jaw work together.
The Spine-Jaw Connection
Forward head posture (the classic “tech neck” slouch) doesn’t just strain your neck. It alters the mechanics of your entire cranio-cervical system, placing tension on muscles that influence jaw movement. When the head drifts forward, it pulls on the muscles at the base of the skull and jaw, which can restrict jaw motion and contribute to inflammation in the TMJ.
A 2025 pilot randomized trial published in Scientific Reports explored this very connection. In the study titled “Does forward head posture correction improve temporomandibular joint dysfunction?”, researchers tested whether correcting posture using a cervical extension traction orthotic would improve TMJ symptoms. The results? Significant improvements in jaw function and pain were observed in the group that received postural correction, highlighting a powerful link between spinal alignment and TMJ health (Mohammad Zadeh et al., 2025).
Beyond the Bite: Structural Solutions Matter
While dentists play an essential role in managing TMJ—especially when it comes to bite alignment and oral appliances—it’s important to recognise that posture, muscle tension, and spinal alignment can all contribute to dysfunction in the jaw.
That’s why a structural approach may be key. Addressing forward head posture, reducing tension in the cervical spine, and improving musculoskeletal balance may help not just your neck and shoulders—but your jaw too.
If you’ve tried dental approaches and haven’t seen full relief, it may be time to explore your posture and spinal alignment as part of the solution.
Sources: [1] Mohammad Zadeh, S. A., Shousha, T., Moustafa, I. M., Khowailed, I., & Harrison, D. E. (2025). Does forward head posture correction improve temporomandibular joint dysfunction? A pilot randomized trial using a cervical extension traction orthotic. Published September 8, 2025.