Jaw and neck pain is a multi-faceted problem that can affect some areas of your body. It is primarily caused by the stress that your body endures day in and day out. There are many causes that could be the problem regarding jaw and neck pain, ranging from TMJ disorder to accidental injuries, muscle spasms, and arthritis. You may also end up having jaw or neck pain as a result of strain after strenuous activity or just regular use over time.
In this article, we’ll discover how TMJ can cause neck pain and what are the possible treatments for this condition.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint. TMJ is a unique joint connecting the lower jawbone to the skull. The temporomandibular joint on both sides of your face is responsible for essential functions, such as yawning, talking, and chewing.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) occurs when your TMJ is injured. It restricts jaw movements and can cause chronic pain in some regions of the face.
Types of TMJ Dysfunction
There are several types of TMJ dysfunction, each with its own set of symptoms and underlying causes.
Myofascial Pain
This type of joint dysfunction affects the muscles that control the jaw and can cause pain and tenderness in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
Internal Derangement
This occurs when the disc that separates the jawbone and skull is displaced, causing clicking or popping sounds and restricted movement.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint can cause stiffness and pain and reduce jaw movement.
Degenerative Joint Disease
This is a condition that causes the cartilage in the TMJ to break down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Traumatic Injury
A blow to the jaw or head can cause jaw dysfunction, leading to pain and discomfort.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
Temporomandibular disorder describes a range of conditions affecting the TMJ and the surrounding muscles and tissues. The condition is often caused by a combination of factors, including injury or trauma to the jaw, teeth grinding or clenching, poor posture, stress, and arthritis.
Common symptoms of TMD can vary from person to person but may include:
- tenderness in the jaw and jaw spasms
- stiffness of the muscle under the jaw
- chronic headaches
- neck pain or neck muscle spasm
- can’t open mouth all the way
- pain in jaw joints
- clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- facial muscle cramps
If you’re experiencing the said symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, as you may be suffering from TMJ. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate TMJ treatment based on the underlying cause and severity of your condition.
How Does TMJ Cause Neck Pain?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the neck are closely connected, and dysfunction in one area can affect the other. When the TMJ is not functioning correctly, it can cause discomfort in the face, jaw, and neck. The jaw muscles are connected to the neck muscles, and tension or inflammation in the jaw can cause these muscles to become tight and strained, leading to neck pain. Additionally, the misalignment of TMJ can cause the head to tilt or turn to compensate for the discomfort, leading to further strain on the neck muscles. This can lead to chronic headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, and even shoulder pain.
Furthermore, the nerves supplying the TMJ and the neck muscles originate from the same spinal cord. So, when the TMJ is inflamed or irritated, it can cause pain signals to be sent to the neck and vice versa. This can create a vicious cycle of pain and tension that can be difficult to break without proper treatment.
Therefore, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. An orthodontist or TMJ specialist can evaluate TMJ signs and symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help alleviate your pain.
Treatment for Neck Pain caused by TMJ
Treating neck pain caused by TMJ can involve a combination of approaches, depending on the severity and underlying causes of the condition. Here are some common treatment options:
Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes in your daily routine, such as avoiding poor neck posture, avoiding grinding or clenching your teeth, and exercising, can help alleviate neck pain caused by TMJ.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can teach you some basic exercises and stretches to improve the flexibility and strength of your neck and jaw muscles, reducing pain and muscle tension.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with TMJ and neck pain.
Dental Treatments
Correcting bite problems or misaligned teeth can reduce strain on the jaw and neck muscles, leading to pain relief.
Nightguards or Splints
Putting night mouth guards can help protect the teeth and reduce grinding and clenching while you sleep, reducing tension in the jaw and neck.
Injections
In some cases, injections of corticosteroids or other medication may be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the TMJ and neck muscles.
Surgery
In intense cases, surgery may be required to correct structural issues in the TMJ that are causing neck pain.
Related Article: Best Proven Home Remedies For TMJ Pain
FAQs
What does neck pain from TMJ feel like?
The neck pain caused by TMJ is often described as a dull ache or soreness concentrated in the neck and shoulder area. The pain may also radiate from the neck to the head, face, and jaw. Some patients may experience sharp, shooting pain in the neck, making it difficult to move their head and neck.
Can TMJ pain go down the neck?
Yes. TMJ pain can go down the neck because ligaments and muscles from the jaw are connected to the neck.
Where is TMJ neck pain located?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) neck pain can be located in different areas of the neck depending on the individual and type of TMJ dysfunction. The pain may be concentrated in the sides of the neck, back of the neck, or the base of the skull and may spread to other areas of the head, face, and jaw.
How long does TMJ neck pain last?
The duration of TMJ neck pain can vary on the severity of the condition. In some cases, the pain may only last for a few days or weeks and resolve on its own, while in other cases, the pain lasts for months or even years.
The duration of TMJ neck pain can also be influenced by continuous stress, improper posture, and teeth grinding or clenching, which can worsen the condition and prolong recovery time.
Can neck massage help TMJ?
A neck massage can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with TMJ, such as neck pain and stiffness. A physical therapist can use various techniques to help release tension and promote relaxation in the neck muscles.
However, it’s important to note that neck massage is not a substitute for proper medical treatment for TMJ dysfunction. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms such as jaw pain or clicking, limited movement, or teeth grinding, it’s important to seek medical attention from a dentist or TMJ specialist.
What is the best medication for TMJ?
If you have mild neck pain, self-care is the best option. Injuries to the joints in your neck can be caused by trauma, overuse, or even bad posture. If you have such an injury and are looking for a treatment plan that does not involve spending money on medication or therapy, you can start by simply changing your habits and lifestyle. You can use simple techniques such as massage and stretching to help relieve your pain.
What can a dentist do for TMJ?
A dentist can do several things to help diagnose and treat TMJ dysfunction:
- Evaluation: The dentist can evaluate the patient’s symptoms and the history of their condition to determine the severity and underlying cause of the TMJ dysfunction.
- Mouthguards: A custom-made mouthguard can be created by the dentist to help relieve the symptoms of TMJ. This appliance can help to reduce the clenching or grinding of teeth and reduce the pressure on the jaw and TMJ.
- Bite adjustment: The TMJ pain may be caused by misaligned teeth or bite issues. The dentist can help to correct the bite to reduce the pressure on the jaw muscles and TMJ.
- Dental work: In some cases, a patient may need dental treatments such as orthodontics or dental restorations to correct bite issues or tooth misalignment that could be contributing to the TMJ pain.
- Referral to specialists: In more severe cases, the dentist may refer the patient to a TMJ specialist, who can perform further diagnostic tests and recommend more advanced treatment options, such as surgery or injections.
Contact Garza DDS to Know if Your Neck Pain Is Caused by TMJ
If you’re experiencing neck pain and suspect it may be related to TMJ, don’t suffer in silence. Seeking the help of a TMJ specialist like Garza DDS can help you find the relief you need. As a TMJ dentist in Gilbert, AZ, Garza DDS offers personalized care and advanced treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of TMJ, including neck pain.
Don’t let TMJ pain control your life. Contact Garza DDS today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.