Why jaw pain often comes from the neck — and what to do about it
- Freya Moran
- May 29
- 5 min read
Jaw pain — and most people think: dentist. That's logical, and usually the right first step. But what happens when the dentist finds nothing? When the night guard helps for a few weeks and the pain comes back? When neck pain and jaw pain seem to alternate without anyone knowing why?
In many cases, this is explained by an anatomical relationship that is rarely examined systematically in dental practice.
Contents in this Blog:
Understanding Jaw Complaints
How Does CMD Develop?
Treatment Options for Jaw Complaints
Understanding Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is not merely a dental issue—it affects a network of muscles, joints, and nerves that connect the jaw to the neck, shoulders, and the rest of the head.
A few quick facts about TMD/jaw pain:
Research suggests that it occurs more frequently in young people—a rarity for a chronic pain condition.
It occurs more often in women than in men; in fact, it is twice as common in women.
There is no standardized definition for TMD disorders. It is frequently diagnosed based on facial and/or jaw pain, difficulty chewing, jaw clicking or popping, tooth sensitivity, and uneven or asymmetrical mouth opening. [1]
For patients who frequently suffer from headaches—particularly in the face or temple region—the jaw could be the underlying cause. "Typically," says Freya Moran, DC, "a patient comes in complaining of headaches, neck pain, and muscle tension between the shoulders. As a rule, they don't even realize that their jaw is part of this region until we examine it. Patients often report that their headaches are worse in the morning, and their partners tell them that they grind their teeth at night."
For a more comprehensive understanding of headaches, see our Homepage.
How Does CMD Develop?
Jaw pain often arises from muscular imbalances, poor posture, stress, teeth grinding, or—at times—accidents. Surprisingly, neck misalignments, tense shoulder muscles, or poor breathing patterns can also place excessive strain on the jaw joint and trigger chronic functional disorders. Patients who have recently undergone lengthy dental procedures often complain of jaw pain when holding their mouths open.
While a dentist can address the alignment of the teeth, a chiropractor assesses how the jaw interacts with the cervical spine, overall posture, and surrounding musculature. This whole-body approach makes chiropractic care a valuable complement to standard dental treatment plans.
Could my pain be caused by CMD?
Every patient undergoes a thorough examination to identify the causes of their pain, including an assessment of the jaw. Ruling out a dental infection, sinusitis, or an ear infection is often the first step. This can be performed by your dentist, ENT specialist, family doctor, or chiropractor. If there is a suspicion that a patient's pain is caused by something other than joint or muscle issues, the patient is referred to the most appropriate specialist for further examination.
Why jaw pain often comes from the neck — and what to do about it
Jaw pain — and most people think: dentist. That's logical, and usually the right first step. But what happens when the dentist finds nothing? When the night guard helps for a few weeks and the pain comes back? When neck pain and jaw pain seem to alternate without anyone knowing why?
In many cases, this is explained by an anatomical relationship that is rarely examined systematically in dental practice.
Is Dizziness Associated with CMD?
Yes: CMD can cause dizziness, and this connection is frequently overlooked. Anatomically, the temporomandibular joint is located directly adjacent to the middle ear, and the masticatory muscles are neurologically linked to the vestibular system via the upper cervical spine. Tension or blockages in this region can trigger vestibular symptoms—such as dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or a sensation of pressure in the ear that cannot be explained by dental causes. When dizziness and jaw complaints occur simultaneously, both conditions should be examined in conjunction. Learn more about dizziness and its treatment.
For a comprehensive guide to jaw pain, visit our homepage.
The trigeminocervical complex — briefly explained
The temporomandibular joint is neurologically supplied by the trigeminal nerve — the fifth cranial nerve. This nerve carries pain signals from the jaw, masticatory muscles and face. In the brainstem, it converges with sensory neurons from the upper cervical segments C1–C3.
This convergence is called the trigeminocervical complex. The practical implication: restrictions or dysfunction in the upper cervical spine can generate pain signals that are felt in the jaw or face. And jaw problems can, conversely, produce or amplify neck pain.
Cuenca-Martínez and colleagues demonstrated in a 2020 meta-analysis that TMD patients show significantly more frequent dysfunction in the cervical spine — particularly at segments C0 to C3 — than patients without TMD (J. Clin. Med., 2020).
For a deeper understanding of neck pain, please visit our homepage.
Treatment Options for Jaw Pain and TMD
Patients often ask: "Do I need a splint?"Being fitted with a night splint is an important part of the treatment process. It is designed to protect your teeth from further damage—and some splints can even help correct jaw misalignments—but most patients find a solution through a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates multiple therapies. While a night guard can protect your teeth if you grind them at night, what about patients who clench their teeth when they are focused or stressed? For instance, during stressful work situations or while playing sports [2]. Furthermore, a splint can do little to address other postural symptoms, such as neck stiffness or shoulder tension.
What is often missing: an examination of the upper cervical spine. If C1 or C2 are restricted, the trigeminocervical complex keeps the masticatory musculature permanently at elevated tension. The splint can protect — but it cannot release that tension.
The same applies in reverse: anyone coming in for neck pain who also has clicking jaw symptoms should not only have the cervical spine treated — the jaw itself should be examined alongside it.
"For patients who require a holistic approach to treating their pain, chiropractic care can be of great assistance," says David Wilmott. "Treatments often involve an adjustment of the jaw, the neck, or both. In cases of tinnitus or ear pain, we can also perform ear adjustments. We can also massage the muscles and demonstrate exercises for the patient to perform at home to stretch their jaw muscles."
David Wilmott explains: "Patients typically experience relief after just the first treatment; however, the recommended course of treatment for jaw pain generally consists of 4 to 6 visits. Once the acute pain has been resolved and the patient has the situation well under control, they only need to visit us again if the pain returns or if they receive a new night guard. Nevertheless, most patients continue to visit us several times a year to receive prophylactic treatment for their neck and jaw, thereby preventing symptoms from recurring."
What we do differently at American Chiropractic Haus in Munich-Bogenhausen
With every suspected TMD case, we examine not only the temporomandibular joint, but the entire spine — cervical, thoracic, pelvis — as well as the masticatory musculature from both inside and outside. Restrictions, wherever they sit, are treated.
This is not more treatment for the sake of it. It is what the anatomy suggests.
For the assessment of your jaw pain and the development of a personalized treatment plan for CMD, you will find the trusted specialists for conservative care at American Chiropractic Haus. We look forward to your visit.
What was most helpful in the treatment of your jaw pain?
Chiropractic Adjustments
Therapeutic Exercises
Massage
A Night Guard
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