Neck and Jaw Pain
Pain in your jaw can be a pain in the neck – sometimes quite literally! The neck and jaw are closely connected through the muscles, nerves, and movement.
So sometimes when you have a problem related to your jaw, it can also cause neck pain. This article explains the possible causes and treatment options available.
If you have neck and jaw pain, then our neurologists can help. At Virgin Islands Neurology, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, we can evaluate your neck and jaw symptoms and help determine what may be causing them. Schedule your appointment today!
Topic at a Glance
- TMJ disorders can cause jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, and discomfort that may extend into the neck and shoulders.
- Stress, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, posture, arthritis, and other factors can contribute to neck and jaw pain.
- Treatment depends on the root cause and may include eating soft foods, physical therapy, medications, stress management, or other approaches.
- Persistent, severe, or unexplained neck and jaw pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull. There is one of these jaw joints on each side of your head.
The joint allows you to open and close your mouth and move your lower jawbone from side to side. These movements are used in activities such as chewing and speaking. The muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaw help control these movements.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Their Causes
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are conditions affecting either the TMJ, surrounding muscles, or related structures. These disorders can be caused by any of the following:
- Anxiety and stress that lead to bruxism (teeth clenching and teeth grinding that is habitual and involuntary)
- Misaligned TMJ disc
- Jaw spasms and strain
- A dislocated jaw
- Injury to your jaw, head, or neck such as whiplash
- Arthritis
- Genetics
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?
Some people with TMJ disorders can experience the following symptoms:
- Jaw discomfort
- Pain around the face, temples, or ears
- Jaw clicking
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Jaw locking or restricted movement
- Headaches
- Jaw tension
- Neck and shoulder pain
How Can a TMJ Disorder Cause Pain in Your Neck?
The muscles in your neck are connected to your jaw joint. They also share nerve pathways. If you have overworked jaw muscles due to stress-related jaw clenching or any other reason, the muscle tension can spread down into the neck and shoulders. This can result in spasms, aches, tension, and reduced flexibility in your neck.
Other Possible Causes of Neck and Jaw Pain
Not all causes of neck and jaw pain are related to TMD. Other possible causes of jaw and neck pain can include the following:
- Arthritis: Arthritis can affect the jaw joints, cervical spine, or both, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes bone spurs.
- Sinus infections: Sinus pressure and congestion can cause facial discomfort that may be felt around the jaw and neck.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw can cause tenderness or discomfort, particularly when chewing or turning your head.
- Certain habits: Frequent nail biting, chewing gum, or chewing on objects such as pens can place extra strain on the jaw and neck.
- Trauma: An injury to the face, jaw, or neck can cause pain in both areas. A dislocated or broken jaw requires prompt medical attention.
- Heart attack: Neck and jaw pain can sometimes occur during a heart attack, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
How is TMJ Diagnosed?
Diagnosing the cause of your jaw and neck pain will usually begin with a consideration of your medical history and symptoms. Your doctor will ask where the pain occurs, when it began, and what movements cause the pain.
They will likely perform a physical exam to look for signs of teeth grinding and clicking in your jaw.
Sometimes imaging tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for TMJ Disorders
Treatment for TMJ disorders depends on the cause and severity of the disorder. Some conservative ways to treat TMD include resting the jaw, eating soft foods, or stress management techniques to reduce teeth clenching. You may also try using hot and cold treatment or medications to relieve pain and tension.
Some may benefit from physical therapy to improve jaw movement and reduce muscle tension.
Botox injections can help some patients when the TMD is related to overactive muscles in the jaws. Botox treatments help relax the muscles in the jaw, reducing the tension and pain.
Surgery may be considered in severe cases or when conservative treatment doesn’t adequately address certain structural joint problems.
When Should You See a Specialist for Neck and Jaw Pain?
You might consider a professional evaluation for neck and jaw pain for the following reasons:
- Neck or jaw pain that persists or keeps returning
- Pain interferes with chewing, sleeping, work, or daily activities
- The jaw locks, or movement becomes difficult
- Symptoms are getting worse
- Pain follows an injury
- There are other concerning symptoms
Find Relief for Neck and Jaw Pain
Persistent neck and jaw pain can affect eating, sleeping, working, and everyday activities. If your symptoms are ongoing, severe, or difficult to explain, a medical evaluation can help identify the possible cause and guide the right treatment.
At Virgin Islands Neurology, our team can evaluate your symptoms and help determine whether your pain may be related to a TMJ disorder, muscle tension, nerve irritation, or another condition. Schedule your appointment today.
FAQs About Neck and Jaw Pain
Can TMJ disorders cause neck pain?
Yes. TMJ disorders can affect the muscles and nerves involved in jaw movement, and pain may extend from the jaw into the neck and shoulders. Jaw clenching and muscle tension can also contribute to neck pain.
What does TMJ pain feel like?
TMJ pain may cause aching or discomfort around the jaw joints and jaw muscles. Some people also experience jaw clicking, jaw locking, headaches, ear discomfort, or pain when chewing.
Can stress cause neck and jaw pain?
Stress can contribute to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which may place extra strain on the jaw and neck muscles. Managing stress and addressing clenching habits may help reduce muscle tension and discomfort.
How is a TMJ disorder diagnosed?
A doctor may review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam of the jaw, neck, and surrounding muscles. Depending on your symptoms, imaging tests such as X-rays may also be considered.
When should I see a doctor for neck and jaw pain?
Consider seeking medical attention if your pain is persistent, severe, getting worse, or interfering with eating, speaking, sleeping, or normal jaw movement. Sudden neck and jaw pain accompanied by symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea requires urgent medical attention.