Why Do My Neck and Jaw Hurt at the Same Time?
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You might feel neck and jaw pain at the same time for several reasons. Since these areas are connected, an issue in one can affect the other.
The neck and jaw are connected by joints, so it's common to feel pain in both areas at the same time. This pain can be mild or severe, making it hard to eat, talk, or sleep.
There are several reasons for neck and jaw pain happening together. It might be due to issues with the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull, known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Other causes can include grinding your teeth, stress, and in rare cases, serious conditions like a heart attack.
Keep reading to learn more about what causes neck and jaw pain and how to find relief
Why Do My Neck and Jaw Hurt at the Same Time?
There are many reasons why you might feel pain in both your neck and jaw at the same time. Here are some of the most common ones.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
"Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)" is a term that covers over 30 different conditions affecting the jaw. Many people think of TMJ as a specific condition, but TMJ actually stands for the temporomandibular joints, which are the joints of the jaw.
If you have a TMJ disorder, you might notice:
- Stiffness in your jaw
- A locking or popping feeling in your jaw
- Ringing in your ears
It's often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of TMJ pain, but some common causes include:
- Injury to the jaw joint
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- A displaced disc that helps the jaw move smoothly
- Arthritis
- Overusing the jaw
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of arthritis that damages the bones. One way to tell if you have OA in the temporomandibular joint (the jaw joint) is if you have bone spurs in your neck, jaw, or both. Bone spurs are extra bits of bone that can cause pain and tenderness.
Jaw pain might also come from arthritis. Arthritis in the spine, often felt in the neck, is called neck arthritis. You can have arthritis in both your jaw and neck, causing pain in both areas.
Stress & Anxiety
Stress often affects our bodies physically, causing problems like trouble sleeping, digestive issues, or jaw pain.
A 2023 study discovered that stress, depression, and neck problems often occur alongside jaw disorders, known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Stress and anxiety can make you clench your jaw without realizing it. Over time, this can overwork your jaw muscles, causing pain in your jaw and neck.
Although the exact link between stress and TMD isn’t fully clear, researchers have found that anxiety can increase the risk of developing these jaw problems.
Sinus infections
If you've ever had a sinus infection, you know it can make your face hurt. But did you know it can also cause pain in your neck and jaw?
One study found that people who said they had sinus headaches also reported neck pain. So, if your jaw and neck hurt when you're congested, sinus pressure might be the reason.
Trauma
If your jaw gets injured or dislocated (when the lower jaw slips out of its joints), you'll feel severe neck and jaw pain.
Broken or dislocated jaws often happen from face injuries and need urgent medical care.
Understanding How Neck the Upper Cervical Region Can Cause Problems
The jaw and neck are closely connected. Jaw pain can often spread to the neck, around the ear, or even to the back of the skull. There's a direct link between the upper cervical spine and the TMJ (jaw joint), specifically the top bone in the neck called the atlas.
When the atlas bone is misaligned, it can cause muscle tension and affect posture. This imbalance can disrupt jaw movement and cause significant discomfort. Moreover, the atlas protects important parts of the nervous system. So, when the upper neck isn't properly aligned, it can contribute to TMJ problems.
Fixing Jaw Misalignment at the Upper Cervical Region
Thankfully, there are ways to fix these alignment issues. A trained upper cervical chiropractor can examine your jaw and the top vertebra of your spine, called the atlas. They'll take precise measurements to ensure they're in the correct position.
Upper cervical chiropractor Dr. Brett palpating a patient.
If there are alignment problems, the chiropractor can use a hands-on technique called chiropractic adjustments to move the atlas vertebra back into place. This helps muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons in your neck and jaw work properly. It can greatly reduce chronic pain and discomfort, allowing your jaw to function better.
Trust a Skilled Upper Cervical Chiropractor for Help
It's crucial to understand why you might have jaw pain. While it could be due to bone, muscle, or scalp issues, don't forget about the upper neck area.
Consult with an upper cervical chiropractor
Misalignment in the upper neck can cause jaw pain. If this is the case, it's important to see an upper cervical chiropractor. They can check your jaw, ensure your spine is aligned correctly, and make adjustments to prevent future problems and side effects.
Disclaimer:
Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Corrections to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or products you obtain through this article or others.
