The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that is crucial in breathing, speaking, eating and yawning. TMJ dysfunction can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that help to control movement in the head, neck and shoulders. This pain can radiate from the jaw down into the neck. TMJ dysfunction can cause neck pain in up to 70% of people who suffer from this condition. This is due to the TMJ being intricately connected to various muscles and structures in the head and neck region. TMJ dysfunction can cause muscle imbalances, tension and altered movements, contributing to neck pain.
How are TMJ dysfunction and neck pain related?
TMJ dysfunction doesn’t automatically mean you will experience neck pain; however, Belgian oral surgeons made the connection between TMJ dysfunction and neck pain in 1998. This area is made up of a complex muscular structure that connects the jaw muscles to the neck muscles. Due to this relationship, several factors can contribute to the related pain:
- Muscle imbalances — TMJ dysfunction often involves muscle imbalances in the jaw and the surrounding areas. TMJ dysfunction can cause you to compensate with movements and tension in the neck muscles, which can cause pain.
- Nerve irritation — TMJ dysfunction can be associated with nerve irritation, like the trigeminal nerve, which can cause referred pain in the neck. This happens when the pain signals from one area are perceived in another area.
- Postural changes — Chronic pain or discomfort in the jaw can influence your overall neck and head posture. Altered or poor posture can contribute to muscle strain and tension in the neck region.
- Joint misalignment — TMJ dysfunction can cause the misalignment of the jaw joint. This misalignment can affect the mechanics of the jaw and cause you to develop compensatory movements in your neck, which can cause pain.
- Shared musculature — The muscles that control jaw movement are interconnected with the muscles involved in the movement of the neck. TMJ dysfunction can affect these shared muscles and contribute to neck pain.
How can you tell if your neck pain is caused by TMJ dysfunction?
If the TMJ dysfunction pain is felt on one side of your head and the neck pain you’re experiencing is also on the same side, this could indicate the pain is related. Likewise, if the TMJ dysfunction pain is felt on both sides of your head and the neck pain is also felt on both sides, the pain could be related.
How is TMJ dysfunction diagnosed?
Receiving a diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction is your first step on the road to pain relief and recovery. A dentist or physician can diagnose the condition through a physical examination or X-ray. Once you receive a diagnosis, you can receive a treatment recommendation based on the severity of your condition.
How is TMJ dysfunction-related neck pain treated?
TMJ dysfunction can often resolve independently in six to eight weeks; however, additional support is sometimes needed. In severe cases, TMJ dysfunction can require surgical intervention. Mild to moderate TMJ dysfunction can be effectively managed through a variety of conservative treatments, including:
- Medication — Your dentist or physician may recommend over-the-counter NSAIDs or muscle relaxants to help with your TMJ dysfunction and neck pain. These medications can help with inflammation, pain and muscle spasms.
- Self-care treatments — Applying heating pads or cold packs to your jaw, practicing relaxation techniques, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding can help provide you with pain relief.
- Oral appliances — TMJ dysfunction-related symptoms like neck pain can be alleviated through the use of customized oral appliances like splints or mouthguards. These appliances can help with jaw alignment and reduce clenching or grinding.
- Stress management — TMJ dysfunction and neck pain can be exacerbated by stress. Adopting stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, meditation or counseling can be beneficial in managing the pain.
- Physical therapy — Physical therapy can be a beneficial and crucial treatment choice in treating TMJ dysfunction-related neck pain naturally and drug-free.
How can physical therapy help TMJ dysfunction and neck pain?
Physical therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can be beneficial in helping to treat TMJ dysfunction and related neck pain. After conducting an evaluation to determine the extent of your TMJ dysfunction and neck pain, your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and concerns. Treatments may include:
- Targeted exercises — Exercises intended to focus on boosting the strength, flexibility and coordination of your muscles in your neck and jaw can help address imbalances, improve your range of motion and promote optimal muscle function.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization are beneficial approaches to help treat TMJ dysfunction and neck pain. These techniques are intended to help release muscle tension, improve joint mobility and alleviate the discomfort you are experiencing.
- Dry needling — Dry needling is a manual technique that certified physical therapists use. Thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger point areas in the soft tissue of the affected area. Dry needling can help alleviate pain and improve circulation, helping to boost healing.
Trust Border Therapy Services to be your partner in finding relief in TMJ dysfunction-related neck pain
At Border Therapy Services, we understand the intricate connection between TMJ dysfunction and neck pain. Our dedicated team of physical therapists strives to help address the root cause of your TMJ dysfunction and provide you with targeted interventions to help you find pain relief. Through personalized and evidence-based treatments, we can help improve your jaw function, reduce muscle tension and restore your overall neck mobility. By tailoring your treatment to your unique needs, we can help relieve your discomfort and empower you with the tools for long-term management.
Call us or request an appointment today to help your TMJ dysfunction-related neck pain.