Good question. It is being reported that more and more people are developing tmj and it seems to be related to our posture and particularly, in front of the computer. I don't know about you, but I used to slouch with my head, neck, shoulder leaning towards the computer screen. This pulls or stretches the main neck muscle (sterno something or another, goes from approximately ear to collar bone simplified). The tmj disc is cartilage and is all connected to the tendons to the muscles, etc.
I now try to remember at all times to keep my back straight, shoulders back and down, with head over the body and chin down a little (see nismat.Org/ptcor/tmj/ for some pictures). I was told when I was younger that my posture was bad and was probably affecting my tmj. I thought the dentist was being silly and didn't listen. Now after going through a rather painful, bad tmj flare-up of 3 years, i'm doing everything I can to help myself and posture has made a big difference. I'm a secretary in front of the computer almost all day so this is a big deal. I can even feel the pressure let up if I have been holding my neck forward and move it where it should be. It's amazing.
Now, also stop opening your mouth so wide. Do you walk on a sprained ankle? (well, we do when we have to, but expect pain) baby your jaw. No gum chewing or ice crunching or caramel or anything the like for a while (if ever again). You do not want to get tmj and have it damage your joints and have problems the rest of your life, so please be careful.
I hope this answers your questions. Take care....
Carol
