Q I look down at my smartphone with my neck bent all day. Is it true that poor neck posture can also harm the jaw joint?
A That's correct. Forward head posture disrupts the alignment of the cervical spine, throwing the force on the jaw joint to one side and potentially worsening facial asymmetry.
Detailed Answer
For every 1cm the head moves forward, about 4.5kg of additional force is placed on the cervical spine. This force twists the axis of the jaw joint, overloading one side, and as the disc is pushed out of place it leads to left-right asymmetry. Prolonged smartphone and computer use is a representative trigger.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we see jaw joint problems as a "problem of structure and circulation" extending all the way to the neck, shoulders, and spine. When we correct, through Chuna manual therapy, a neck and shoulders that have stiffened and are blocking the flow to the brain and face, the force loaded on the jaw is distributed evenly to both sides, directly helping to improve asymmetry. We also guide you through regular neck stretches.
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