What’s the Connection Between Neck Pain and TMJ Disorders?

The Complex TMJ System

The Connection Unveiled

• Shared Muscles and Nerves
  One key factor linking neck pain and TMJ disorders is the shared muscles and nerves. The muscles responsible for moving the jaw and the neck are intricately connected. When there is tension or dysfunction in one area, it can easily impact the other. This connection can lead to neck pain as a symptom of an underlying TMJ issue.
• Poor Posture
  Another factor that contributes to the connection is poor posture. Individuals with TMJ disorders often change their posture to alleviate jaw pain. This altered posture can put excess strain on the neck muscles, leading to discomfort and pain.

Types of TMJ disorders :

There are three basic types of TMJ disorders:

• Myofascial pain: This is the most basic type of TMD. With myofascial pain, the muscles in control of jaw function hurt or feel tight or uncomfortable.
• Joint derangement: Injury to the condyle (the end of a bone that connects to another), a displaced disc, or a displaced jaw can cause internal derangement/misalignment of the TMJ.
• Arthritis: Arthritic pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, can manifest in degeneration and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.

It is possible to experience multiple types of TMD at the same time.
Sometimes, TMD only lasts for a few weeks or months before resolving on its own, but often it can last indefinitely and cause lasting, chronic pain.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Jaw Pain
The most common symptom of a TMJ disorder is jaw pain. This pain can radiate to the neck, causing discomfort in both areas simultaneously.
Headaches
Frequent headaches are another symptom. The tension and muscle strain caused by TMJ disorders can result in chronic headaches, often felt in the temples and the back of the head, extending to the neck.
Clicking or Popping Sounds
Many TMJ disorder sufferers experience clicking or popping sounds when they open and close their mouths. These sounds can be accompanied by neck pain, further illustrating the connection between the two.

• Earache
• Inability to open jaw completely, locking jaws
• Painful chewing
• Tired feeling in face
• Change of facial expression
• A change in how your lower and upper teeth fit together (e.g., bite doesn’t meet properly)
• Painful or sensitive teeth without evidence of another oral health issue as the root cause, such as cavities

Causes of TMJ Disorders

Understanding the causes of TMJ disorders is crucial in addressing the associated neck pain. Common factors contributing to TMJ disorders include:
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, places immense stress on the TMJ. The tension in the jaw muscles from grinding can lead to pain in the jaw and neck.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety often manifest physically, and the jaw is no exception. Clenching the jaw due to stress can trigger TMJ disorders and neck pain.
Poor Bite Alignment
Malocclusion or a misaligned bite can lead to TMJ disorders. When the teeth do not meet correctly, it can create stress on the joint, causing pain that radiates to the neck.

• Sleep disordered breathing : : Occurring when your airway collapses while you’re asleep blocking your breathing, the lower jaw’s instinct is to clamp down or thrust forward in an attempt to open the airway, exhausting the jaw muscles.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can occur in any joint, including the TMJ
• Dislocation or erosion of the joint
• Poor dentistry: High crowns or fillings can change how your teeth come together, leading to orofacial pain.

Managing Neck Pain from TMJ Disorders

While the connection between neck pain and TMJ disorders can be concerning, there are strategies to manage and alleviate the discomfort. These include:

TMJ Treatments
Consulting a dentist or oral specialist for TMJ treatments can help address the root cause of the pain, ultimately relieving both jaw and neck discomfort.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial in managing neck pain associated with TMJ disorders. Therapists can provide exercises and techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve posture. Other physical therapies include :
Acupuncture

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Muscle awareness relaxation therapy (mindfulness)
• Biofeedback therapy
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
• Ultrasound (using deep heat applied directly to the joint)
• Radio wave therapy

Stretching and relaxation exercises:
While you can perform TMJ exercises at home, your doctor, dentist, or physical therapist may give you targeted ones to try in specific time increments. In general, these stretches should help relieve muscle tension but should not cause much, if any, additional pain.

Stress Management
Stress management techniques, such as meditation and relaxation exercises, can help alleviate clenching of the jaw, reducing the likelihood of TMJ disorders.

Sleep apnea treatment
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by periods of disrupted breathing at night. While it’s not the only form of sleep-disordered breathing, sleep apnea is thought to be one reason people grind their teeth at night (bruxism).
Since bruxism is one major cause of TMJ pain, your dentist or doctor may recommend you get a sleep study to figure out if this is the root cause of your issues. Depending on the issues, you might get prescribed one or multiple treatment, including a sleep apnea oral appliance, CPAP/APAP machine, or a night guard for grinding. A night guard will not help get to the bottom of your grinding problem like the other potential solutions, but is a stopgap measure to protect your teeth from grinding damage.

Bite correction
If your bite is unbalanced (malocclusion), you may develop pain in your TMJ because one tooth makes contact with the other side of teeth first (known as intercuspation). When TMD is caused by malocclusion, there are a number of methods your dentist will use to correct the problem. Keep in mind, all of these either take a significant amount of time to correct or give fast relief without addressing the root issue.

Lifestyle Changes
Making changes to lifestyle factors, such as posture, exercise, and a stress free environment can also contribute to better jaw and neck health. Proper nutrition and ergonomic adjustments can significantly impact overall well-being. Doctors recommend to avoid nail biting, chewing gum and extreme jaw movements

Conclusion

The connection between neck pain and TMJ disorders is not widely recognized, but it is a crucial aspect of understanding and managing both issues. By acknowledging the shared muscles and nerves, recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and implementing effective management strategies, individuals can find relief and improve their overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, consider consulting a healthcare professional who can help you explore the potential connection to TMJ disorders and develop a personalized treatment plan to address both issues effectively.

At Dr. Roze BioHealth Clinic Dubai, we have a specialist bio physiotherapist, Sandra Serrano, who provides Biological physiotherapy to address the complex relationship between neck pain and TMJ disorders. Remember, a pain-free life is possible, and it begins with understanding the link between your jaw and neck.