When your jaw literally “turns” your head!
By Sophie Lyon, Physiotherapist & Functional Nutritionist – Dubai
Why talk about the jaw when your neck hurts?
🔍 Did you know? Up to 80 % of people with neck pain also have some degree of TMJ dysfunction (ncmic.com).
Your jaw and neck are linked by shared muscles, fascia and even nerve circuits. When one part jams, the other compensates—hello dysfunction and pain. Headaches, stiffness, dizziness or joint blockages may all trace back to a tiny hinge just in front of your ear!
Zoom anatomy: where’s the TMJ hiding?
- The capsule is stabilised and reinforced by several ligaments.
- Sensory nerves cross the joint; if the articular disc slips forward for too long, these nerves produce joint pain.
- The disc (meniscus) is attached to the upper head of the lateral pterygoid muscle.
- Jaw muscles—masseter, temporalis, pterygoids, digastric—connect directly or through fascia to the cervical spine. Example: a masseter spasm → traction on C1–C2 → neck stiffness.
How can TMJ trouble wake up your neck?
- Muscle tension – co-contractions or agonist/antagonist imbalance stress their cervical insertions.
- Fascial adhesions – the temporal fascia continues into the deep cervical fascia, so restrictions at any level echo in both TMJ and neck.
- Nervous convergence – the trigemino-cervical nucleus receives pain signals from the trigeminal nerve and C1–C3 roots; the brain sometimes mixes them up, giving “cervicogenic” headaches. Muscle spasms can also pinch nerves (trigeminal, greater occipital) and trigger headaches or facial pain.
Six red-flag signs pointing to the TMJ
- Clicking or crepitus when opening/closing.
- Limited mouth opening or jaw deviation.
- Sharp pain when you press the little finger into the ear canal.
- Bruxism (night grinding) or worn teeth.
- Headaches, neck pain, dizziness, tinnitus.
- Morning tenderness in cheeks or temples.
Triggers and aggravating factors
- Stress-related bruxism or certain medications.
- Trauma – whiplash, blow to the chin.
- Prolonged postures (phone, low laptop).
- Malocclusion / poorly fitted dental appliance.
- Deficiencies – magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3 (needed for muscle relaxation).
- Mouth breathing – overloads the suprahyoid muscles.
What can your physio do?
- Unlock the TMJ – intra-oral techniques: mandibular traction, disc recapture, anterior/posterior glides.
- Normalise muscle tone – trigger-point release, ischemic pressure, masseter/temporalis stretches, intra- & extra-oral myofascial release.
- Restore cervical mobility – gentle C0–C3 mobilisations, manual therapy, motor-control drills.
- Re-educate posture – scapular strengthening, thoracic opening, head-neck angle correction, nasal-breathing retraining.
- Patient education – self-massage, controlled-opening exercises, home programme.
Teamwork: the key to long-term success
- Dentist / occlusodontist – occlusal check, deprogramming splint.
- Orthodontist – if broader corrections are needed.
- Psychologist or stress-management coach – curb bruxism.
💡 Nutrition fun fact: Efficient chewing can resolve up to 50 % of functional digestive complaints by boosting salivary enzyme activity—take it from a nutritionist!
Four things to try today
- Heat – 10 min on the cheek before gentle jaw stretches.
- Masseter self-massage – circular motions, 1 min each side, twice daily.
- “Double-chin” posture drill – gently tuck chin to align ears and shoulders, hold 5 s × 10.
- Coherent breathing & diaphragmatic breathing – 5 min, three times a day; calms the nervous system and reduces night-time bruxism.
Conclusion
Neck pain isn’t always rooted in the vertebrae… sometimes it all starts in the jaw!
Accurate diagnosis and a holistic plan—physio, dentist, nutrition, stress management—usually restore a free neck anda relaxed smile.
Found this helpful? Share it with someone who clenches a bit too much!
If you currently have problems or need a physiotherapist, book yourself a Free Initial Assessment via: https://sophielyon-physio.com/initial-assessment/
