TMJ Pain, Neck Problems, and Gonstead Chiropractic

Jaw pain can make everyday activities such as chewing, speaking, yawning, and opening and closing the mouth uncomfortable.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows the jaw to move during these activities. Like other joints in the body, the TMJ can be affected by trauma, repetitive stress, muscular tension, changes in movement, and other conditions.

There are several possible causes of TMJ pain. These may include:

• Chewing primarily on one side for an extended period
• Excessive or sudden opening of the mouth
• Trauma or an impact to the jaw
• Abnormal bite or malocclusion
• Dental or periodontal problems
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Muscle tension around the jaw and neck

When dental or periodontal problems are involved, appropriate dental evaluation and treatment may be necessary.

However, when these factors do not fully explain recurring jaw symptoms, it may also be useful to consider the neck, posture, and surrounding muscles.

When Chronic TMJ Pain May Be Related to the Neck and Spine

If jaw pain continues to occur frequently or becomes chronic despite appropriate care, evaluating the cervical spine, posture, and surrounding musculature may provide additional information.

The head, neck, shoulders, and upper back function together to maintain the position and movement of the head.

Spending long periods sitting, using electronic devices, or maintaining an asymmetrical posture may place additional demands on the muscles of the neck and upper back.

When these muscles remain tense, they may influence the muscles and movement patterns associated with the jaw.

This does not mean that a neck problem is the cause of every TMJ disorder.

Rather, the jaw and cervical region have important anatomical and functional relationships that may be relevant in some patients.

For this reason, a person with persistent TMJ symptoms may benefit from an evaluation that considers not only the jaw but also the neck, shoulders, upper back, and posture.

How Can Neck and Jaw Problems Be Connected?

The muscles responsible for jaw movement are closely related to structures in the head and neck.

The temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid muscles play major roles in jaw movement, while other muscles of the neck and upper shoulder region contribute to head and postural control.

When muscle tension or movement patterns change in one region, other muscles may compensate.

For example, prolonged forward-head posture may increase the workload of certain neck and upper-back muscles. In some individuals, this may occur together with increased jaw muscle tension or clenching.

The relationship is complex and can vary considerably between individuals.

This is why the goal of an examination should be to determine which findings are actually relevant to the patient's symptoms rather than assuming that every jaw problem comes from the cervical spine.

Stress, Fatigue, and Jaw Clenching

TMJ symptoms can become more noticeable during periods of stress, fatigue, or inadequate sleep.

Some people unconsciously clench their teeth or tighten their jaw muscles during stressful periods. Repeated clenching can increase the workload on the muscles and tissues surrounding the TMJ.

If jaw pain, clicking, locking, or restricted movement persists, appropriate evaluation may be necessary.

Depending on the symptoms, evaluation by a dentist, oral and maxillofacial specialist, physical therapist, medical professional, or other appropriate provider may be appropriate in addition to chiropractic assessment.

Neck Problems May Not Always Cause Neck Pain

One important point about spinal problems is that symptoms do not always occur directly where the underlying finding is located.

For example, people with cervical spine problems may experience symptoms such as:

• Neck stiffness
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Shoulder discomfort
• Arm symptoms
• Changes in movement

Similarly, a person may have postural or mechanical findings without experiencing significant neck pain.

This is why a patient's symptoms should be considered together with their history and physical examination rather than judging spinal function solely by the location or intensity of pain.

The Connection Between Posture and Jaw Function

Posture affects how the head is positioned over the spine.

When posture changes, the muscles responsible for supporting the head may have to work differently.

For some individuals, changes in head and neck posture may occur together with changes in jaw position or muscle activity.

This is one reason why evaluating posture can be useful when someone has persistent jaw symptoms.

However, posture is only one potential factor. Dental health, bite relationships, trauma, joint disorders, muscle tension, clenching, and other conditions may also contribute to TMJ symptoms.

What About a Cervical Disc Problem?

A cervical disc problem can develop from a combination of age-related changes, injury, repetitive stress, and other factors.

Symptoms vary depending on the individual and the structures involved.

Some people experience neck pain, while others may primarily notice stiffness, muscle tension, headaches, shoulder discomfort, or symptoms extending into the arm.

A cervical disc finding on imaging does not automatically establish that it is the cause of every symptom a person experiences.

The patient's history, physical examination, neurological findings, and imaging findings should be considered together.

Take Care of Your Spine and Joints

Modern lifestyles have changed how many people use their bodies.

Long periods of sitting, reduced physical activity, repetitive computer and smartphone use, and limited movement throughout the day can place different demands on the spine and musculoskeletal system.

Maintaining regular physical activity, developing healthy postural habits, and addressing persistent symptoms appropriately can help support long-term musculoskeletal health.

The goal is not simply to live longer, but also to maintain the mobility, strength, and function needed to enjoy everyday activities.

A Gonstead Approach to Neck and Spinal Problems

The Gonstead System emphasizes a detailed examination of the spine and related structures.

Depending on the patient's condition, an examination may include:

• Postural evaluation
• Static palpation
• Motion palpation
• Instrumentation
• Range-of-motion testing
• Orthopedic testing
• Neurological examination
• Evaluation of the cervical spine
• Evaluation of the thoracic spine
• Evaluation of the lumbar spine and pelvis
• Assessment of related muscle tension and movement patterns
• Weight-bearing spinal X-rays when clinically indicated

The findings are considered together with the patient's history and symptoms.

The purpose is not simply to identify where a patient feels pain, but to determine whether specific spinal or mechanical findings may be relevant to the patient's condition.

How Can NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic Help?

At NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic in Fairfax, Virginia, we take a detailed approach to evaluating the spine and related musculoskeletal structures.

When appropriate, our evaluation may include postural assessment, spinal movement, muscle function, neurological and orthopedic testing, and weight-bearing spinal X-rays to better understand the patient's condition.

If you are experiencing neck pain, neck stiffness, headaches, shoulder tension, back pain, sciatica, or symptoms associated with a diagnosed disc problem, a comprehensive spinal examination may help determine whether Gonstead chiropractic care is appropriate.

When jaw symptoms are present, we can also consider the relationship between the cervical spine, posture, and surrounding musculature, while recognizing that TMJ disorders can have many different causes and may require dental or medical evaluation.

The goal is not simply to treat where you feel pain.

The goal is to understand the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and determine an appropriate approach to care.

If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or sciatica, or if you are experiencing persistent neck or back symptoms, a professional evaluation can help determine the appropriate next steps.

NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic Clinic
9514 Lee Hwy (Route 29), Suite B
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 359-6262