Pain can often be associated with myofunctional impairments, especially pain of the neck and upper back and shoulder areas. Myofunctional impairments often bring about what we call “compensations”, or ways that your body adapts to impairments you might have. A person with an undiagnosed tongue-tie for instance, may deal with chronic neck pain as a result of years and years of putting extra strain on muscles that should be moving independently of the tongue, but are unable to due to the tongue-tie. This tension and strain can trickle all the way down your spine and even to your feet.

If you have unresolved sleep issues, this can make pain worse. Sleep affects almost every aspect of our well being, and one of its functions is restoration of damaged tissue and moderating pain. If we are not sleeping well or have poor sleep, chronic pain can worsen and become debilitating over time. Myofunctional therapy can help improve your sleep by establishing nasal breathing and proper tongue posture. Many individuals see improvements in chronic pain after working with a myofunctional therapist to improve sleep.