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Writer's pictureZoisa Holder

Whiplash, Clenched Teeth, and Rounded Shoulders

Updated: Apr 30

WHIPLASH

Whiplash is an injury of the neck that’s normally a result of your head being forcefully and quickly thrown backward and then forward. This motion can injure various parts of the neck and spine including bones, discs, ligaments, muscles and nerves.



CLENCHED TEETH

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (also called bruxism) is a common sign of stress and anxiety. However this seemingly harmless habit has consequences.


The jaw is incredibly strong and when clenching, it exerts a lot of force on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull. Our biggest jaw muscle, the temporalis muscle, connects the jaw to the temple. When the temporalis is clenched, it presses against the brain, causing migraines. When the jaw tightens, the body then tightens other muscles around the neck in response, and this can result in neck and back tension as well as nerve pain.



ROUNDED SHOULDERS

Upper cross syndrome and kyphosis – both identified by rounded shoulders – can cause neck, back, arm or shoulder pain and immobility, since the rounded forwards position of the shoulders changes strain distribution in the back, chest, arms, and neck.


Without treatment, poor posture can affect our ability to carry out our everyday tasks, as well as our mental and emotional health.


TREATMENT

Our bones and soft tissues should move and adapt with us but then return to their ideal anatomical alignment. However, misuse, disuse, injury and pain impact the body’s ability to adapt.


If you want to learn how to improve your posture and health, 4U Pilates offers;

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