And the reverse may be true, as well.
The study mentioned above found that poor neck posture may well be a cause of jaw dysfunction and pain.
Lets start with the bony structure, thetemporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
The TMJ is perhaps the most complicated joint in the human body.
Lets deconstruct this name so that you could make some sense of the anatomy involved.
Temporal Bone
The first part, temporo, refers to the temporal bone.
The temporal bone is located on either side of your skull towards the bottom (near your ear).
One thing that may help you find your temporal bones is to put your hand on your temple.
The mandible is host to your bottom set of teeth.
The mandible is considered to be the jaw bone.
An interesting fact is that the mandible is the only bone in the face that can move.
The mandible is shaped like a U.
Two types of movements occur at the TMJ: hinging and gliding.
This combination further classifies the joint as ginglymoarthrodial.
Lets take them one by one.
Protrusive Jaw Opening Pattern
First the dysfunctional jaw movement.
Disc displacement with reduction is the first of three stages of disc displacement.
Opening your mouth may be difficult, too, but this is not always a symptom.
Stage two is disc displacementwithoutreduction where, like before, you get clicking and popping in the joint.
A Global Approach to TMJD
So what does all this detailed information mean about your neck pain?
But when it comes to themusculoskeletal system, theres really no such thing as isolation.
Not only that, but chronic upper body misalignments may feed your TMJ problem.
Akyphosisis basically a rounded upper back.
When the upper back rounds over, the head, being connected via the spine, is taken downward.
TMJD treatment may help relieve some or all of your pain, as well.
Your therapist may also teach you a self-care routine that involves the progressive isometric strengthening of your jaw muscles.
The muscles around the jaw and neck are typically tender to the touch.
TMJ pain can be confused with an earache, and it can sometimes cause tinnitus.
Yes, problems with the temporomandibular joint can cause neck pain.
In fact, some experts estimate 70% of neck complaints can be traced to TMJ dysfunction.
Neck issues associated with TMJ include muscle cramps or spasms, stiffness, reduced flexibility, and pain.
Neck pain from TMJ is treated with a multi-prong approach.
Your doctor may also prescribe a muscle relaxer or antianxiety medication to relieve muscle spasms.
Long-term care focuses on treating the jaw joint.
If TMJ is associated with teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) a night mouth guard can help.
Botox is not FDA-approved as a treatment for TMJ, so it is not likely covered by insurance.
However, doctors can use Botox for TMJ as an off-label use.
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