Why Does My Jaw and Neck Hurt? Exploring the TMJ Connection
If you’re experiencing simultaneous jaw and neck pain, you’re not alone. This frustrating combination is more common than many people realize and often goes undiagnosed for extended periods. While it’s easy to assume these symptoms are unrelated, they are frequently connected through a single culprit—the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
As one of the most trusted TMJ specialists in New York, Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari has helped thousands of patients find the true source of their discomfort and restore balance through conservative, highly effective treatments. At his Manhattan-based clinic, patients suffering from TMJ pain receive comprehensive evaluations that uncover the often-overlooked connection between jaw disorders and musculoskeletal tension in the neck and shoulders.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons your jaw and neck might hurt at the same time, how the TMJ plays a central role, and what treatment options are available to alleviate the discomfort—especially when self-care and general medicine fall short.
Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint is a unique sliding hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. This joint is responsible for enabling everyday functions like talking, chewing, yawning, and facial expression. It’s supported by a complex system of muscles, ligaments, nerves, and cartilage—all of which must work in harmony to function properly.
Because of its high mobility and anatomical proximity to the neck, dysfunction in the TMJ can result in pain that radiates beyond the jaw itself, frequently affecting the neck, shoulders, upper back, and even the head.
The Connection Between TMJ Disorders and Neck Pain
Many patients are surprised to learn that their neck pain is related to a jaw problem. In fact, neck pain is one of the most common secondary symptoms of TMJ disorders. Here’s how the connection works:
1. Muscular Overload and Compensation
When the TMJ becomes inflamed or misaligned, the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck must compensate to maintain movement and function. Over time, these compensations create muscle fatigue, strain, and spasms—especially in the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and suboccipital muscles.
2. Postural Strain
Poor jaw alignment often affects head posture. Many people with TMJ disorders exhibit a forward head posture, placing increased stress on the cervical spine. This misalignment contributes to chronic neck tension and pain.
3. Shared Nerve Pathways
The trigeminal and cervical nerves share overlapping pain referral patterns. Irritation of the TMJ can therefore be perceived as pain in the neck, jaw, or both—even if the initial problem began in just one area.
4. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Grinding or clenching your teeth—particularly at night—tightens both the jaw and neck muscles. Over time, this leads to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and aching that often persists throughout the day.
Common Causes of Jaw and Neck Pain
While TMJ disorders are a primary source of combined jaw and neck pain, several other conditions may contribute or mimic these symptoms. These include:
1. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Trigger points in the muscles of the face, jaw, and neck can cause referred pain, limiting range of motion and causing stiffness.
2. Cervical Spine Dysfunction
Degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or poor posture can lead to neck pain that indirectly contributes to jaw dysfunction.
3. Whiplash or Trauma
Injuries such as whiplash often affect both the neck and jaw joints, creating tension and instability in both regions simultaneously.
4. Dental Malocclusion
A misaligned bite can alter jaw mechanics and create compensatory muscle tension throughout the neck and upper spine.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Psychological stress often manifests physically through jaw clenching, shoulder tension, and poor posture—fueling a vicious cycle of pain in both the jaw and neck.
How TMJ Disorders Can Present as Neck Pain
Symptoms of TMJ disorders can be deceptive, leading many patients to seek treatment for neck pain without ever realizing the problem lies in their jaw. Some of the most commonly reported complaints include:
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Dull or sharp neck pain that worsens throughout the day
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Difficulty turning the head side to side
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Tension headaches originating at the base of the skull
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Jaw tightness or locking
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Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
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Facial pain or tenderness
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Shoulder or upper back discomfort
Because these symptoms span multiple body regions, diagnosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach and advanced knowledge of orofacial pain—qualities that distinguish specialists like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari from general medical or dental providers.
A Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
When patients visit Dr. Bakhtiari for NYC TMJ treatment, the first step is a detailed and thorough evaluation. This diagnostic process is what sets his practice apart and helps uncover the root causes of pain that may have gone undiagnosed for years.
The consultation typically includes:
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A detailed medical and dental history
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Review of current symptoms and how they affect daily life
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Physical examination of jaw movement, muscle tenderness, and neck mobility
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Assessment of bite alignment and occlusion
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Joint auscultation (listening for clicks, pops, or grinding)
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Advanced imaging (3D cone beam CT or MRI) if joint damage is suspected
This comprehensive evaluation allows Dr. Bakhtiari to develop a tailored, non-surgical treatment plan that addresses both jaw and neck dysfunction for lasting relief.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Jaw and Neck Pain
Contrary to what many patients fear, treatment for TMJ pain rarely requires surgery. At Dr. Bakhtiari’s Manhattan office, emphasis is placed on conservative, patient-centered care with high success rates.
1. Custom Oral Appliances (TMJ Splints or Nightguards)
These appliances reposition the jaw to relieve pressure on the TMJ and reduce clenching. This, in turn, lessens strain on the neck muscles and improves head posture.
2. Physical Therapy and Postural Training
Dr. Bakhtiari often works with skilled physical therapists who specialize in TMJ and cervical spine rehabilitation. Therapy may include:
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Manual therapy for muscle release
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Range of motion exercises
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Myofascial release techniques
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Postural correction for long-term balance
3. Trigger Point Injections
For patients with persistent muscle spasms or tender knots, injections into key trigger points can relieve pain and restore mobility.
4. Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Therapy)
If a misaligned bite is placing undue stress on the jaw and neck, selective reshaping of teeth can improve occlusion and reduce muscular strain.
5. Behavioral Counseling for Clenching and Stress
Many cases of jaw and neck pain are driven by unconscious behaviors like grinding, poor sleep posture, and high stress. Dr. Bakhtiari guides patients in recognizing and modifying these behaviors for long-term health.
Why Choose Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari for New York TMJ Treatment?
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities in TMJ treatment, Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari combines advanced training, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and a whole-body approach to pain management. Patients from across the tri-state area and beyond seek out his care for conditions that have been misdiagnosed or unsuccessfully treated elsewhere.
Key benefits of choosing Dr. Bakhtiari include:
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Board certification in orofacial pain and TMJ disorders
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A multidisciplinary approach to treating complex jaw and neck issues
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Personalized, non-surgical care plans
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Advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities
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A compassionate, patient-first philosophy
For those struggling with persistent pain that spans the jaw and neck, his expertise offers not just symptom relief—but a path to long-term recovery.
When to Seek TMJ Specialist Care
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are related to TMJ dysfunction, consider the following signs:
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Chronic neck stiffness without a clear orthopedic cause
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Facial pain or headaches that coincide with jaw tension
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Difficulty chewing, opening your mouth fully, or turning your head
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Noisy jaw joint (clicking or grinding)
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Morning neck pain or soreness
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Pain that worsens with talking, eating, or stress
These are common indicators that your jaw joint may be playing a role in your neck pain—and that it’s time to seek a consultation with a TMJ specialist.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Jaw-Neck Connection
Persistent jaw and neck pain should not be ignored or brushed off as unrelated symptoms. In many cases, they share a common origin in TMJ dysfunction—a condition that is highly treatable with the right expertise.
Whether your discomfort is new or something you’ve been managing for years, expert care can make all the difference. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari provides patients in New York City and beyond with accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and a compassionate approach that prioritizes long-term health and comfort.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my jaw and neck hurt?”, the answer may be more connected than you think. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free living.
To begin healing, call 347-708-3865 or complete the online appointment request form here
Book Your Appointment Today with Dr. Nojan!