The Link Between Jaw and Neck Pain
Jul 31, 2024
Jaw and neck pain often go hand in hand, creating a persistent cycle of discomfort that can significantly impact daily life. The connection between these two areas of the body is intricate and often misunderstood, leading many to suffer without finding effective relief.
At Repair Recover Restore in White Plains and Port Chester, New York, our knowledgeable team understands the relationship between jaw and neck pain. We can uncover the underlying causes and explore targeted treatment solutions that offer lasting relief.
Your jaw joints, or temporomandibular joints (TMJs), play a crucial role in daily activities such as chewing, talking, and yawning. Imagine precise mechanics at play in your head: the jawbone hinging seamlessly onto the skull, all thanks to the synchronization of multiple muscles and ligaments.
When the TMJ experiences dysfunction, pain often radiates to nearby areas, including the neck. Conversely, issues in the neck, such as muscle tension or misalignment, can affect the TMJ, leading to jaw pain.
Several factors contribute to the onset of jaw and neck pain.
We’ve all been there: slumped in a chair, eyes fixed on a screen, the minutes ticking away as we binge-watch our favorite show or crush a project deadline.
Our bodies aren’t designed to stay stationary for long stretches, and poor posture is often the price we pay. Slouching or hunching forward strains the neck muscles, affecting the jaw. Additionally, stress and anxiety often lead to clenching or grinding of teeth, exacerbating TMJ issues and causing neck pain.
Whiplash from a car crash is no joke. It can knock your neck and jaw out of alignment, leaving you with a pounding headache and a stiff, aching body. A sudden jolt sets off a rapid neck movement, putting the muscles and ligaments around your TMJ to the test. Chronic pain and dysfunction can quietly creep up over time, leaving a lasting impact.
Conditions like arthritis can also take a toll on the TMJ and cervical spine, causing persistent jaw and/or neck discomfort that’s hard to shake.
Recognizing the symptoms associated with jaw and neck pain is crucial for early intervention. Common signs include a clicking or popping sound in the jaw, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, headaches, earaches, and muscle tenderness.
Neck pain may manifest as stiffness, reduced range of motion, and radiating pain to the shoulders and upper back. Call and schedule an appointment if these symptoms persist.
Treating jaw and neck pain requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of your discomfort. We may recommend one or more of the following approaches:
Chiropractic care is highly effective in realigning the spine and relieving pressure on the neck and jaw. Our chiropractor’s skilled hands coax the body back to optimal function, reducing aches and discomfort in the process.
Hands-on engagement has a double benefit; not only do you regain lost motion, but you also free yourself from aches and pains.
The thin needles of acupuncture, carefully inserted into specific points on the body, can stimulate natural healing processes and promote wellness. Neck and jaw pain doesn’t stand a chance against this ancient practice, which checks inflammation and gets blood flowing freely — a trio of benefits that will have you breathing a sigh of relief.
Neck and jaw muscles need strengthening and stretching, and that’s exactly what physical therapy provides — a solid foundation for long-term comfort and support. For people struggling with TMJ and neck pain, our therapists craft a specialized exercise plan that tackles the root causes of discomfort: poor posture, limited flexibility, and excessive strain.
Simple tweaks to your daily routine can make a big difference — think daily stretches, exercises that build strength, and healthy habits that become second nature.
Tight muscles and pent-up stress don’t stand a chance against massage therapy, which works its magic to melt away tension. With a toolkit that includes deep tissue massage and myofascial release, our massage therapists can tease out even the deepest knots and leave you feeling loose, limber, and relaxed.
Imagine waking up each morning feeling refreshed, renewed, and better equipped to tackle life’s challenges – that’s what awaits when you prioritize regular massage therapy and reap the rewards of reduced pain and discomfort.
Ready to ditch the aches and pains for good? Call your nearest Repair Recover Restore office in White Plains or Port Chester, New York, today, or click online to schedule an appointment with our team at your convenience to attain targeted jaw and neck pain relief.