Change your body mechanics for TM disorder

Changing body mechanics can help you prevent or treat a temporomandibular (TM) disorder.

• Maintain good posture. Slumping your shoulders or assuming positions in which your upper body is thrust forward (many people do this to relieve back pain) disturbs the natural alignment between your facial bones and muscles.
• Don't sleep on the painful side of your face. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• When you sleep, use a single, flat pillow or a specially designed pillow to help keep your neck and head in alignment (ask your health professional about pillows).
• Avoid sitting with your jaw cradled in your hand.

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated February 10, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
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