Neck pain is one of the most common complaints seen in pain management clinics, often blamed on poor posture, long hours at the computer, or aging joints. But what if the culprit isn’t your neck at all? According to pain management specialist Jordan Sudberg, the source of persistent neck pain might actually be higher up—in your jaw.
The jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), plays a far more complex role in our overall musculoskeletal system than many realize. Dysfunction in this small but powerful hinge can radiate pain throughout the face, shoulders, and especially the neck. Dr. Sudberg emphasizes, “When patients complain of chronic neck stiffness or discomfort that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, I often evaluate the jaw. It’s an overlooked yet crucial piece of the puzzle.”
Let’s explore how TMJ dysfunction and neck pain are connected, how to identify the signs, and what you can do about it.
Understanding the Jaw-Neck Connection
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and is located just in front of your ears. It’s involved in essential functions like speaking, chewing, and even breathing. When this joint isn’t working correctly—due to misalignment, inflammation, teeth grinding, or trauma—it can trigger a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
“TMD doesn’t just cause jaw pain or clicking,” says Dr. Sudberg. “It can throw off the alignment and mechanics of your neck and upper spine.”
Here’s how the connection works:
- The muscles that control the jaw are intricately connected to those in the neck and shoulders.
- When jaw muscles are overused or inflamed, they can pull on neck muscles, creating tension and discomfort.
- Chronic jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism) often happens subconsciously, especially during sleep, placing undue strain on both the jaw and neck.
- Misalignment in the jaw can affect posture, subtly tilting the head forward or to one side—leading to muscle imbalances and pain.
Signs Your Neck Pain Might Be Jaw-Related
According to Dr. Sudberg, you may be experiencing TMJ-related neck pain if:
- Your neck pain is accompanied by jaw clicking, popping, or locking.
- You frequently experience headaches or facial tension.
- You grind your teeth at night or wake up with a sore jaw.
- Chewing gum or eating tough foods worsens your neck pain.
- Your neck pain doesn’t respond well to physical therapy or typical musculoskeletal treatments.
“If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone,” says Dr. Sudberg. “TMD is more common than most people realize and can be a silent contributor to chronic neck pain.”
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
The good news is that identifying the jaw as the source of your neck pain opens the door to more targeted treatment. Dr. Sudberg emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical, dental, and physical therapy strategies.
Diagnosis may involve:
- A clinical exam of jaw mobility and muscle tenderness.
- Imaging, such as MRI or CT scan, to assess the TMJ joint.
- Bite analysis or consultation with a dentist trained in TMJ disorders.
Treatment options include:
- Custom night guards to reduce teeth grinding and relieve joint stress.
- Physical therapy focused on jaw, neck, and postural muscles.
- Trigger point injections or other minimally invasive procedures to relieve chronic muscle tension.
- Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy, which help reduce unconscious clenching.
- In rare cases, corrective dental work or surgery may be recommended for severe TMJ dysfunction.
Preventative Tips from Jordan Sudberg
Dr. Sudberg encourages patients to take everyday steps to reduce the risk of jaw-related neck pain:
- Avoid excessive chewing (like gum or tough meats).
- Practice proper posture, especially at desks and while using smartphones.
- Do regular jaw relaxation exercises and gentle neck stretches.
- Pay attention to stress levels, which often trigger clenching and grinding.
“Awareness is the first step,” he says. “Once you understand how closely the jaw and neck are connected, you can take smarter steps to prevent and manage pain.”
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been treating neck pain with little relief, it may be time to look beyond the obvious. As Jordan Sudberg advises, the root cause could be just inches away—in your jaw. By taking a holistic view of pain, including lesser-known contributors like TMJ dysfunction, patients can find more effective relief and long-term comfort.
So before you assume that your neck is the problem, consider this: is your jaw trying to tell you something?