Are you suffering from neck and shoulder pain? While there are many reasons why you may have discomfort in these areas, the temporomandibular joint disorder is also a possible cause. You may be wondering if it is really true — can TMJ cause neck and shoulder pain? The answer is yes, and we will talk about it in this blog.
Is TMJ Disorder the Cause of Your Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Dealing with a TMJ disorder can be pretty exhausting, especially due to the symptoms that accompany the condition. You will experience pains in different areas of your body, such as your head, neck, and even your shoulders. Yes, TMJ can cause neck and shoulder pain.
Many muscles present in our maxillofacial, neck, and shoulders are connected with each other in an intricate manner. These complex designs of muscles, joints, and bones let you talk, chew, turn your head, and do more.
When something affects one muscle or joint, it can affect the other muscles and joints as well.
Therefore, when your jaw receives an injury or becomes misaligned, it can result in neck and shoulder pain.
Often, TMJ disorders do not heal on their own, and your condition gets worse. You may have a sore jaw, followed by headaches, as well as stiff and sore shoulders and neck over time.
In simple terms, when your jaw is in distress, it can affect your neck and shoulder. It is possible that your jaw muscles are working overtime in order to keep your head posture in balance. This may cause muscle fatigue, resulting in neck and shoulder pain.
What TMJ Neck and Shoulder Pain Feels Like
The neck and shoulder pain due to TMJ can feel different for everyone. You may experience mild to severe discomfort, depending on your condition.
You may have a dull ache if you have TMJ disorder. If you have severe inflammation or issues within the joint, the pain might be sharp. The pain might be on one side of your neck or both, depending on the origin of muscle tension.
You may feel pain when you stretch your jaw and move it from side to side; it may be a definite sign that your shoulder and neck pain are due to TMJ disorder. Make sure you keep an eye out for signs of TMJ dysfunction!
TMJ Neck, Shoulder Pain Treatment
You can visit a holistic dental specialist to easily eliminate your TMJ pain and associated symptoms. They will carefully assess your mouth, inquire about the symptoms, and proceed with an effective treatment.
There are multiple methods to treat your TMJ pain in the shoulder, neck, and other regions. Physical therapy is one of the techniques that can significantly eliminate TMJ pain and strengthen the affected muscles.
You might also need to practice relaxation techniques as stress can worsen the discomfort.
Heat and ice therapy are also effective in alleviating the pain and inflammation due to TMJ dysfunction.
This way, the blood flow increases to the area and relaxes your muscles due to the warm compress and the cold therapy reduces inflammation while also numbing the area.
The specialist might also recommend an appliance for your TMJ, personalized to your mouth to help relieve your shoulder and neck pain. The appliance improves jaw alignment and reduces muscle tension.
Final Note
If you have a TMJ disorder, it can radiate pain to your neck and shoulders. It is better to visit a specialist and receive optimal treatment for the condition. Whole Health Dental Center is here to help you achieve a healthy mouth. Dial (703) 385-6425 to talk to us!