TMJ could be the source of your neck pain. If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain and can’t figure out why let’s explore how the temporomandibular joint could be responsible.
Can TMJ Disorder Cause Neck Pain?
Yes. TMJ disorders are synonymous with all kinds of pain, including but not limited to neck pain. People suffering from TMJ often report symptoms such as:
- Neck pain
- Ear pain
- Jaw pain
- Cheek pain
- Clicking jaw
- Lockjaw
- Difficulty opening mouth
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Dizziness
This list is by no means exhaustive, and how TMJ affects different people varies.Â
What Does the TMJ Neck Pain Feel Like?
Depending on the structure of the disordered TMJ, pain can take on different shapes and sizes. When the TMJ is inflamed, other muscles and tissues can take on tight, dull, or achy sensations. These sensations aren’t specific to TMJ, however, which can make self-diagnosis extra challenging. It can be easy to write off neck aches as being from sleeping wrong the night before or from craning your neck to check your phone. The truth might be that something deeper is affecting your muscles which is why it is so important to schedule a consultation with a professional if you’re experiencing pain.
Benefits of Balance
Balance is vital for bodily structures, especially at cruxes of motion like the jaw. Depending on what the jaw malfunction is can cause different corresponding reactions as the nearby muscles, tendons, joints, and bones take on strain to try and restore that balance. Because of this, head and neck pain caused by TMJ can vary in character, triggers, position, and timing. We often lose track of the reality that so many of our bodily systems are interdependent for seamless functioning.
TMJ-Related Neck Pain Treatment in Burke, VA
Dr. Pamela Marzban has years of experience treating patients suffering from TMJ disorders and has written about the topic extensively in publications like the Washingtonian. Her knowledge and cutting-edge approach to dentistry relieve patients of pain and put them on track to long-term solutions. For more information on TMJ-related neck pain and what can be done to provide you with relief, contact Dr. Pamela Marzban’s office at703-323-8200 or visit our contact form here.
