The Relationship Between TMJ And Neck Pain

January 9, 2023. 3 min read

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body. It gives you the ability to chew, talk and move your jaw up and down and side to side. However, according to The TMJ Association (TMJA), 12% of people in the U.S. experience some type of issue with their TMJ, the majority of this population consisting of women of childbearing age. There are a variety of facial symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), in addition to an association between TMJ and neck pain.

TMJ Anatomy

As the TMJA explains, your mandible‚ or lower jaw‚ has two extensions of bone with rounded ends, called condyles, that attach to the temporal bones on either side of your skull. A soft, spongy disc lies between the condyle and the bony socket to help the joint move smoothly and absorb any impact during movement. You also have four pairs of chewing muscles, known as the muscles of mastication, that are primarily responsible for jaw movements.

Causes and Symptoms of TMD

It's difficult to determine the exact cause of TMD. Frequently, it's a combination of factors. The Mayo Clinic notes that TMD can be the result of erosion or misalignment of the soft disk within the joint, impact or injury to the facial area or arthritis damaging the joint's cartilage.

Most TMJ problems involve a dull, aching pain in the joint itself or surrounding areas. The TMJA reports the following as the most common TMD symptoms:

Pain in your jaw muscles, joint, neck or shoulders
Chronic headaches
Ear pain or ringing in the ears
Painful clicking or grating in the joint when opening or closing your mouth
A change in your bite
Dizziness or vision problems

Connection Between TMJ and Neck Pain

If you have chronic neck pain, it's possible that you have TMD, as the neck and jaw structures are connected.

A study published in BioMed Research International observed that tender points in the neck are often seen in people with TMD. In fact, pain in the neck region was found to be associated with TMD 70% of the time. While one condition doesn't necessarily cause the other, the study found that as the level of neck disability increases, so does the level of jaw disability.

A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation verified the correlation between TMD and neck pain in women who work with computers. It noted that neck pain is one of the most common complaints among people working with computers all day. Compared with women who reported no neck pain, women who had neck pain were more likely to also exhibit evidence of TMD.

The TMJA also notes that musicians who hold musical instruments close to their neck, such as violinists, may also be susceptible to TMD because of the positioning of their head and neck. Ultimately, patients should assess workplace conditions to minimize any neck or TMD problems.

Treatment and Pain Relief

If you have signs of TMD, the TMJA recommends first seeing a medical doctor to rule out any conditions with similar symptoms, such as sinus infections, abscessed teeth, migraine headaches and facial neuralgia. But because there isn't a specific medical or dental specialty that deals with TMD, the TMJA supports the National Institutes of Health's recommendation to find a provider that understands disorders of muscles, bones and joints and is trained in pain management. For complicated cases, a team of doctors may be needed for diagnosis and treatment; however, TMD is usually treated conservatively, with reversible procedures and short-term use of over-the-counter pain medications.

If you're suffering from pain of the neck and TMJ, or if you merely have a clicking in your jaw, it is always best to see your doctor or dentist to get further advice and prompt treatment.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.