Do you guys remember the column in the newspaper called Dear Abby? If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a column where readers write in to ask for her sage advice. While I may not have the answers to everything, orofacial myofunctional disorders and feeding therapy are my specialties! I often get incredible questions asked on the gram and I feel the need to share. The latest one gave me a good laugh and I think you all will enjoy and may even be able to relate.
Dear Hallie, Why does my partner eat like a chicken? You may laugh, but his neck bobs up and down while eating and he often makes a dive for his plate, and I feel like he only pecks at his food, how is he even full afterwards? I’m embarrassed to go out. What can I do? Help!
Signed, GET ME OUT OF THE COUP!
Dear GET ME OUT OF THE COUP!
You did indeed make my day and I would love to help “get you out of the coup.” When I picture your partner “eating like a chicken,” I see a person pecking at their food, moving neck muscles more than orofacial muscles, and taking their face/mouth to their plate rather than bringing the food up to their mouth. These may all be signs of an orofacial myofunctional disorder. When the muscles of our mouth are not functioning optimally, other muscles kick in. For instance, if the masseter or mandible muscles are weak, the neck muscle may very well activate and compensate during chewing activities. Poor posture is a big red flag for airway concerns.
You noted that your partner often makes “dives” for their plate while eating. This may indicate forward head posture (small airway) or other postural compensations. This often calls for a referral to a specialist like a physical therapist, chiropractor, and/or body worker such as a Cranial Fascial/Sacral Therapist. A great place to start for your significant other is a myofunctional therapy evaluation. A myofunctional therapist can assess everything within their scope of practice and make the appropriate referrals for things that may be out of their scope (i.e. posture, etc).
Wishing you the best of luck, we hope to get you out of the coup soon! Be sure to check out our directory of myofunctional therapists to find someone in your area.
XOXO, Hallie
