It is a common perception that neck and jaw pain are related. And, to some extent, this is correct. If there’s a time you have ever woken up in the morning with a sore neck or jaw pain, you know how bad the pain can be. For some people, this is a regular occurrence. If you find yourself frequently battling jaw or neck pain, you may be wondering if the two problems are somehow connected. Find out below if there is a connection between neck and jaw pain.
What Causes Jaw Pain?
There are many causes of jaw pain. One common reason is bruxism, which is involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. This can happen anytime, either during the day or at night, and it often goes unnoticed until the pain becomes severe. Stress is a common trigger for bruxism, so if you’re experiencing increased stress levels, that may be the cause of your jaw pain.
Another potential cause of jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This disorder affects the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMD is usually caused by injury to the joint, arthritis, teeth grinding, or clenching. People with TMD often experience pain in their jaw, face, neck, or shoulders. They may also have difficulty chewing or opening their mouth wide.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Like jaw pain, there are many different reasons for neck pain. One common cause is poor posture. Make sure your chair provides adequate back support and that your computer screen is at eye level. If you can, take regular breaks to walk around and stretch your muscles. Additionally, strengthening your core muscles can help to improve your posture and ease back pain. Finally, be mindful of your posture throughout the day, and try to consciously sit up straight and stand tall.
Other causes of neck pain include herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and pinched nerves. Like TMD, injuries can also lead to neck pain. Whiplash is a type of injury commonly resulting from car accidents and can cause intense neck pain.
Is There a Connection Between Jaw and Neck Pain?
While more research needs to be done on the subject, these studies suggest that there may indeed be a connection between neck and jaw pain. It is a common perception that neck and jaw pain are related. And, to some extent, this is correct. However, the nature of the relationship between neck and jaw pain is often misunderstood. There is some evidence suggesting that there may indeed be a connection between the two problems. If you’re experiencing either type of pain regularly, it’s important to see your doctor so they can determine the major cause and provide treatment accordingly.
Neck and jaw pain can be caused by a variety of factors, from teeth grinding to poor posture. The best part is that most of this can be treated relatively easily. If you are experiencing any type of neck or jaw pain, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the root cause and find an appropriate treatment plan to improve the conditions.
Head Pain Institute can provide treatment to address TMJ disorders. Our highly skilled professionals will assess your conditions and try to pinpoint the causes of your discomfort, and make useful and effective recommendations based on the assessments.
