When the Pelvis Changes, the Jaw Often Follows: Understanding TMD Through a Whole-Body Lens
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are commonly approached as a local jaw problem. Yet, in clinical practice, many people with jaw pain, clicking, clenching, or fatigue also show clear patterns of pelvic, core, and breathing dysfunction.
This is not accidental. It reflects how posture and pressure are managed through the body, from the pelvis upward.
One connected system: pelvis → diaphragm → neck → jaw
The pelvic floor, diaphragm, deep neck muscles, and the muscles under the jaw (suprahyoids/infrahyoids) are linked through fascial and functional continuities often described as part of the deep front line. These regions don’t work in isolation; they share load, tone, and timing during breathing and postural control.
When pelvic control or pelvic floor coordination is altered, breathing mechanics frequently change. When breathing shifts upward into the chest and neck, the small muscles under the jaw and around the TMJ can become more active at rest.
Over time, this increased baseline activity can contribute to jaw muscle tightness and TMD symptoms such as clenching, clicking, and fatigue.
Why pelvic instability can show up at the jaw
The body seeks stability. If stability from the pelvis and deep core is reduced, the system may compensate by increasing muscle activity higher up the chain—commonly in the neck and jaw.
Clinically, many people with TMD also present with:
pelvic asymmetry or anterior pelvic tilt
reduced deep core activation
altered breathing patterns
forward head posture secondary to trunk mechanics
This does not mean the pelvis “causes” TMD, but it can be a meaningful contributor to the overall pattern.
The role of breathing and pressure control
The diaphragm and pelvic floor work together to regulate internal pressure during breathing and movement. If this coordination is inefficient, accessory neck muscles often become overactive. These muscles share connections with the hyoid and jaw musculature, increasing resting tone around the TMJ.
Addressing breathing and pelvic control can therefore reduce unnecessary load on the jaw muscles.
What helps in practice
Evidence-informed TMD care often includes:
jaw motor control and relaxation strategies
deep neck flexor training
breathing retraining focused on diaphragm use
pelvic floor and core control
postural work starting from the pelvis upward
When these elements improve, jaw symptoms often become easier to manage alongside direct TMJ treatment.
The takeaway
TMD is not only a local jaw issue. It is often influenced by how the pelvis, core, and breathing system work together to support posture.
Improving pelvic and core control can reduce the compensations that keep the jaw muscles overactive.
References:
Bordoni, B., & Zanier, E. (2015). Anatomic connections of the diaphragm: Influence of respiration on the body system. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 8, 281–291.
Kolar, P., et al. (2012). Postural function of the diaphragm in persons with and without chronic low back pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 42(4), 352–362.
Myers, T. W. (2020). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial meridians for manual and movement therapists (4th ed.). Elsevier.
Olivo, S. A., et al. (2006). The association between head and cervical posture and temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Orofacial Pain, 20(1), 9–23.
Visscher, C. M., et al. (2002). Is there a relationship between head posture and craniomandibular pain? Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 29(11), 1030–1036.
