If you're a music teacher, you already know: the job is more physically demanding than most people realize.
You’re constantly:
- Talking (a lot)
- Demonstrating (over and over again)
- Conducting, singing, cueing, correcting
- Trying to maintain posture, presence, and patience
- …often while clenching your jaw and smiling through the stress
And at the end of the day, when the classroom is finally quiet and your kids are tucked into bed, your jaw hurts.
Maybe your head, too. Or your ears. Or your neck.
Maybe your head, too. Or your ears. Or your neck.
Sound familiar?
You're not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone.
Why Music Teachers Are Prone to TMJ Dysfunction
Most of us weren’t taught how to take care of our own bodies as musicians, let alone teachers.
We were trained to push through pain. To keep going. To “just rest it” and hope it’ll be better tomorrow.
But TMJ dysfunction doesn’t just go away with rest.
It’s a whole-body issue that shows up in your jaw—but starts deeper.
And when your job literally depends on your ability to speak, sing, and show up physically, ignoring it just isn’t an option.
My Story (In Case We Haven’t Met Yet)
I’m Andrea—a fellow music teacher, mom, and entrepreneur.
And I’ve been exactly where you are.
I used to think my jaw pain was just part of the job.
I tried the night guard. The stretching. The "just relax your face" advice (gee, thanks).
It wasn’t until I dug into the why behind TMJ pain that things started to shift.
I began to understand the connections between posture, muscle imbalances, stress, and breath—and how to create small, manageable routines that actually helped me heal.
What Helped Me (And What I Created to Help You)
That journey led me to create TMJ Strong, a self-paced, practical course designed specifically for busy women like us.
It’s not full of fluff or gimmicks. It’s clear, evidence-based, and easy to integrate into your already full life.
You’ll learn:
- What’s really causing your jaw tension
- Simple changes you can make in just a few minutes a day
- How to break the cycle of pain so you can keep doing what you love
- How to build strength and mobility that lasts (without overwhelm)
If you’ve been quietly dealing with jaw pain, I want you to know:
You don’t have to live with it.
And you definitely don’t have to figure it out alone.
You Deserve to Feel Good—In and Out of the Classroom
You’re pouring into your students every day.
Now it’s time to pour into you.
Now it’s time to pour into you.
If you’re ready to stop the cycle of pain and start feeling strong, capable, and clear—
Check out TMJ Strong.
It might just be the thing your future self will thank you for.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be frustrating and painful, affecting your daily life in numerous ways - it was causing daily pain for me for over 5 years! If you've been undergoing treatment for TMJ but aren't seeing the results you hoped for, you might be making some common mistakes. Let's explore why your TMJ treatment may not be working and what you can do to improve your chances of success.
Ignoring the Importance of Lifestyle Changes
Many people underestimate the impact of daily habits on their TMJ health. Simply relying on medication, a splint, or occasional therapy sessions isn't going to be enough.
Key lifestyle factors to address:
- Stress management
- Proper posture & spinal alignment
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods and adding in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods (see this food choices guide for more about this)
- Quitting harmful habits like nail-biting or pen-chewing
Make a conscious effort to incorporate these small changes into your daily routine for better treatment outcomes.
The Critical Role of Spinal Alignment in Proper Posture
When addressing posture for TMJ treatment, it's crucial to understand that proper posture starts with spinal alignment. Many people focus solely on sitting or standing straight without realizing that their spine may be misaligned, making it impossible to achieve and maintain proper posture.
Why spinal alignment matters:
- Misalignment can cause compensatory tension in the neck and jaw muscles
- A properly aligned spine provides a stable foundation for the entire body, including the jaw
- Correcting spinal misalignments can alleviate pressure on nerves that may be contributing to TMJ symptoms
To address this:
- Consider consulting a NUCCA chiropractor to assess and correct spinal misalignment
- Incorporate exercises that promote spinal health (I know an occupational therapist that can recommend a customized program! Hint hint, it's my husband ;) )
- Use ergonomic supports that encourage proper spinal positioning throughout the day
Only after addressing spinal alignment can you effectively work on maintaining proper posture to support your TMJ treatment.
Over-reliance on Pain Medication
While pain relief is crucial, solely depending on medication can mask underlying issues without addressing the root cause of your TMJ disorder.
Balanced approach to pain management:
- Use medication as prescribed, but don't rely on it exclusively
- Combine pain relief with other treatment modalities (Check out TMJ Strong for lots and lots of ideas! I addressed my own TMJ issues naturally without prescribed medication.)
- Work with your healthcare provider to gradually reduce medication use as symptoms improve
Neglecting Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy and Exercises
Many patients underestimate the importance of consistent physical or occupational therapy and at-home exercises in managing TMJ disorders.
Benefits of physical therapy/occupational therapy:
- Improves jaw mobility
- Strengthens supporting muscles
- Targeted ergonomic training
- Reduces pain and inflammation
Commit to your prescribed exercise regimen and attend all physical therapy sessions for optimal results.
Overlooking the Mind-Body Connection
TMJ disorders often have a strong psychological component. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate symptoms and hinder treatment progress.
Addressing mental health:
- Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing
- Seek support from mental health professionals if needed
Expecting Instant Results
TMJ treatment often requires patience and persistence, allowing the body time to heal. Expecting immediate relief can lead to disappointment and treatment abandonment.
Realistic expectations:
- Understand that improvement may be gradual and have ups & downs
- Celebrate small victories in your treatment journey
- Stay committed to your treatment plan, even if progress seems slow
Not Seeking a Second Opinion
If your current treatment isn't yielding results, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from another TMJ specialist.
Benefits of a second opinion:
- Fresh perspective on your condition
- Potential for alternative treatment options
- Confirmation or refinement of your current diagnosis
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of your TMJ treatment. Remember, successful management of TMJ disorders often requires a multifaceted approach and ongoing commitment. Work closely with your healthcare team, stay informed about your condition, and be proactive in your treatment journey for the best possible outcomes.
