Do you often feel neck pain, along with jaw neck pain problems, particularly while chewing or yawning? You may have what’s called a TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders. In fact, according to a study published in BioMed Research International, up to 70% of neck problems are related to jaw issues.
The TMJs are joints on either side of your face that connect your lower jaw bone to your skull, allowing you to speak, chew, swallow and yawn. Several muscles attached to these joints and bones control the movement necessary for these functions. TMJ can lead to jaw pain, headaches, earaches or ringing in the ears, and neck pain. Neck pain that begins in the TMJs and surrounding muscles can move to the neck, causing aches, spasms, tightness and reduced flexibility in the area.
TMJ pain can be caused by stress, teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), certain foods and beverages, head or neck trauma, poor posture, sleeping positions and more. TMJ can also be aggravated by certain medications, including aspirin and NSAIDs, decongestants, antidepressants and steroids.
The neck is a complex area, comprised of many muscles that work together to allow you to turn your head, tilt it and move it up and down. TMJ can cause neck pain, especially when the muscles in the neck are overworked. Neck pain can also be caused by a disc in the neck, spinal arthritis or spondylolisthesis, or other health conditions such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
People with TMJ can experience neck pain as a result of the tension and strain that is in the neck muscles, tendons and ligaments that connect to the TMJs. In addition, the tense muscles in the neck can cause the TMJs to clench and grind, which puts additional pressure on the neck, jaw and neck muscles.
The symptoms of TMJ can be felt in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, ears, jaw and neck, as well as the shoulders, back and upper arms. The intensity of the neck and jaw pain can vary, and it’s possible to feel both at the same time. TMJ can also be triggered by certain triggers, such as stress, a diet high in acidic food and beverages, teeth grinding, sleep habits, and poor posture. TMJ can even be aggravated by a dental procedure, such as getting a crown or bridge. Fortunately, most TMJ pain can be relieved through self-care, nonsurgical and reversible treatments, or by consulting with a dentist who specializes in treating TMD. In some cases, however, when conservative methods fail to provide relief, surgery or restorations such as orthodontics and crowns may be recommended.