“When the TMJ is irritated or inflamed, the surrounding muscles and nerves can become sensitive...."- Dr. Sandy Shulca, DPT

Introduction

Are you dealing with jaw pain, neck tension, or frequent headaches? You’re not alone—and the good news is, understanding what’s causing your discomfort is the first step toward relief. This blog explains how your jaw, neck, and head are connected, why pain happens, and how you can start feeling better.

How Your Jaw Works: Anatomy Made Simple

The jaw joint, called the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), is where your jawbone meets your skull, just in front of your ears. It works like a door hinge that also slides, allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn.

Think of your TMJ like a sliding closet door: it must move smoothly to work properly. If it gets stuck or moves unevenly, you can experience jaw pain, clicking, or locking.

Key Parts of the TMJ:

• Jawbone (Mandible): The moving part.

• Temporal Bone: The skull part the jaw connects to.

• Articular Disc: A cushion that helps the joint move smoothly.

• Muscles: Help move the jaw for talking and chewing.

The Body's Wiring: Cranial Nerves and Pain

The TMJ and neck are connected through several important cranial nerves—like wires running from your brain to various parts of your head, face, and neck.

Key Nerves Involved:

• Trigeminal Nerve (CN V): The main nerve for facial sensation and chewing.

• Facial Nerve (CN VII): Controls facial expressions.

• Glossopharyngeal & Vagus Nerves: Linked to swallowing and throat sensation.

Imagine the cranial nerves as an electrical grid. If one circuit is overloaded or damaged, nearby circuits can be affected, leading to pain that spreads from your jaw to your head and neck.

Why Inflammation Leads to Headaches

When the TMJ is irritated or inflamed, the surrounding muscles and nerves can become sensitive. This irritation often triggers one-sided headaches, commonly felt near the temple, jaw, or behind the eye.

Think of Inflammation Like a Sprained Ankle: When you twist your ankle, the surrounding area swells and becomes tender. The same happens with your TMJ—only instead of ankle swelling, you feel it as jaw stiffness, neck tension, and pounding headaches.

Common Causes of Inflammation:

• Grinding or clenching your teeth

• Poor posture (like looking down at your phone)

• High stress, causing tight jaw muscles

• Injury or trauma to the jaw or neck

What You Can Do to Feel Better

1. Relax Your Jaw: Avoid clenching by keeping your teeth slightly apart and your tongue resting at the roof of your mouth.

2. Check Your Posture: Keep your head upright and shoulders relaxed.

3. Warm Compress: Apply gentle heat to ease muscle tension.

4. Jaw Exercises: Gentle stretching and movement exercises can restore normal jaw function (Check out my free guide for specific jaw exercises).

Conclusion

Jaw pain, neck tension, and headaches can feel overwhelming, but understanding the cause is the first step toward relief. If your discomfort persists, feel free to reach out to me! After all, I am a qualified physical therapist specializing in TMJ, neck conditions and pelvic dysfuncitons who provides 1:1 personalized care online and in person. Start your journey to feeling better today!

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