Most people think of jaw pain as a dental problem and neck pain as a posture issue. But in many cases, they’re closely linked — and if you’ve been treating one without addressing the other, you may be missing the real solution.
At Reform Physical Therapy, we regularly see patients who come in for neck discomfort but also experience clicking jaws, headaches, or facial tension. That’s because your jaw and neck muscles work in coordination — and when one is tight or irritated, the other often compensates.
How the Jaw and Neck Are Connected
Your jaw joint — the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — is directly connected to the muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the neck and upper back. Here’s how the chain reaction often works:
Tight neck muscles can pull on the jaw, altering its alignment.
Jaw clenching or teeth grinding can create tension in neck muscles.
Poor posture (like forward head position) can strain both the jaw and neck.
This relationship means pain in one area can quickly lead to dysfunction in the other.
Common Causes of Jaw and Neck Tension
Jaw and neck issues can stem from a variety of habits, conditions, or injuries, including:
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Stress-related muscle clenching
Poor posture
Whiplash or neck injury
Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
Overuse of phones and computers
Left untreated, these problems can cause persistent pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and even dizziness.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
A physical therapist can evaluate your jaw and neck together — rather than treating them as separate problems — to find the root cause of your discomfort.
Treatment may include:
Gentle manual therapy to release tight muscles
Postural training and ergonomic adjustments
Jaw mobility exercises
Relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce clenching
Home exercise programs to maintain progress
Our goal is not only to relieve your current pain but also to prevent it from returning.
Image Suggestion: PT working with a patient on jaw mobility exercises. Alt Text: Physical therapist guiding patient through jaw and neck stretches.
Self-Care Tips for Jaw and Neck Relief
While professional treatment is key, these at-home strategies can help:
Maintain good posture, especially when using devices.
Apply moist heat to the jaw and neck to relax muscles.
Avoid chewing gum or hard foods that strain the jaw.
Practice relaxation techniques to reduce clenching.
Stretch gently throughout the day.
Don’t Ignore the Connection
Jaw pain and neck tension rarely happen in isolation. Addressing both together is the most effective way to break the cycle of discomfort.
At Reform Physical Therapy, we’ll create a personalized plan to restore mobility, reduce pain, and help you feel like yourself again.
Ready to Find Relief?
Call us to schedule your evaluation or visit one of our Southern Maine locations.
The sooner you address both issues together, the faster you can find lasting relief.
