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How are your jaw pain and neck position related?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint in front of your ear that allows your jaw to hinge. People can develop pain in their jaw from grinding and clenching teeth, secondary issues can be headaches, earaches and neck/shoulder pain.
There is a significant connection between your posture/neck position and your jaw position. There are muscle, joint, ligament and tendon connections between the upper neck and the TMJ.
Stick your chin way out and open your jaw then tuck you chin back (double chin) and try to open your jaw. The motion with be quite different. This shows you how head and neck position can directly affect jaw mechanics.
Changing position of the head and neck changes the tension on the muscles of the neck and jaw. Common muscles involved are the masseter, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius and muscles that connect to your hyoid bone (Adams apple). Excessive tension on these muscles over time can create spasm and or pain.
Some of the common symptoms of this interaction is pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck, headaches and migraines linked to TMJ and cervical issues, jaw clicking, popping, and limited range of motion, as well as neck stiffness and pain that coincides with TMJ symptoms.
Some treatment approaches for Cervical-TMJ issues are physical therapy and exercises, postural correction techniques, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and other medications. Some preventative measures and lifestyle adjustments that can help are ergonomic adjustments for work and daily activities, stress management techniques to reduce muscle tension as well as exercises and stretches to maintain cervical and TMJ health.
In the next article we will go through some of the above treatment approaches as well as postural exercises and tips. We will cover the best neck and jaw strengthening exercises.
About the author: David Potucek, PT, MSPT, CFMT
David is an orthopedic physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. He has worked with some of the best dentists in the TMJ and airway field to help patients with jaw pain recover and get back to doing what they love.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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