Concerned About Jaw and Neck Tension? A Musculoskeletal Assessment May Help
Don’t Let Jaw Pain Get You Down - Ask your Halo Wellness Chiropractor For Help
Understanding the Link Between Jaw and Neck Tension
Many people move their jaws in unhelpful ways without even realising it, such as clenching or grinding (bruxism), often during sleep. This jaw tension can contribute to discomfort not just in the mouth, but also in the surrounding areas.
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull and is a complex area involving muscles, ligaments, and bones. Problems in this region are often referred to as TMJ Dysfunction or Disorder (TMD). Given the close relationship between the jaw and neck, tension in one area frequently influences the other. Our office often sees patients whose primary concerns include:
Pain and tenderness in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
Musculoskeletal pain that refers to the upper neck and head.
Difficulty or discomfort when opening or closing the mouth.
A clicking or popping sound in the jaw (with or without accompanying pain).
Upper neck and upper back tension associated with jaw discomfort.
It is common for patients experiencing persistent tension in their neck or ongoing headaches to discover they are clenching or grinding their teeth at night. Due to the multi-factorial nature of this discomfort, effective support often involves co-management coordinated between chiropractors, dentists, and other allied healthcare professionals.
The Halo Wellness Approach: Focusing on Musculoskeletal Support
Our approach to supporting patients with jaw and neck tension is collaborative and focused on function. At Halo Wellness & Chiropractic, we take a thorough approach, which includes:
A detailed assessment of your health, lifestyle factors, and history of discomfort.
A comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation of your jaw movement, surrounding muscles, soft tissues, and neck function.
Directed, low-force treatment aimed at improving comfort and function in the muscles and joints of the neck and jaw.
Collaboration and referral with your dentist, GP, or other appropriate healthcare professional, as required.
Support Strategies for Jaw and Neck Comfort
We recommend a combination of professional care and self-management strategies:
Dental Assessment: Consult your dentist for a full evaluation, especially if you suspect grinding (bruxism) is an issue. They can determine if a protective night splint or mouthguard is necessary.
Chiropractic Musculoskeletal Care: Gentle adjustments and muscle release techniques focused on the neck and jaw structures may help reduce associated tension and improve movement.
Heat Therapy: Apply low-grade heat to tense areas of the jaw and neck to promote relaxation.
Self-Management Exercises: Ask your practitioner for specific contract/relax exercises for the jaw muscles. Gently massaging your temples and the muscles around the jaw joint with two fingers for one minute before sleep may also help ease tension.
Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness or meditation, particularly before bedtime, can assist in managing the mental and emotional stress often associated with clenching and grinding. Find some easy meditation practices online.
It is important to have a comprehensive assessment when dealing with persistent jaw and neck tension. If you are concerned about how musculoskeletal factors may be influencing your comfort and movement, arrange a consultation today to see if a chiropractic assessment is right for you. BOOK HERE
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This article is for general information purposes only & does not form full medical diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing pain, a proper consultation with you health care provider should be performed.