Cervical Spine Pain Causing Jaw Pain?
Cervical Spine Pain Causing Jaw Pain?
Jaw pain isn’t always isolated to the jaw itself; in many cases, issues in the cervical spine (neck) can be a significant contributor. At Midwest Movement, we take a comprehensive approach to assessing and treating jaw discomfort, ensuring that we address all potential sources of pain—including the neck.
The muscles in the neck are closely connected to the jaw, and tension or dysfunction in the cervical spine can refer to pain in the jaw area. If we conduct a jaw assessment and find inconclusive results, we often turn our focus to the neck to see if it might be the underlying issue.
When we assess neck involvement in jaw pain, we start with a range of motion test. For example, we’ll have the patient sit up straight and move their chin toward their chest, look up at the ceiling, and rotate through all planes of motion. A restricted movement, especially when extending the neck, can reveal tightness or dysfunction in specific muscle groups that are connected to jaw movement.
For instance, limited neck extension impacts the muscle groups surrounding the jaw. When there is restriction here, it’s common to find referred pain or tension that can mimic jaw pain.
One technique we use to alleviate cervical spine tension is chin retractions. By guiding the chin backward, we help “clear” obstructions in the spine, stretching tight soft tissues and promoting healthy joint movement. This retraction technique helps reduce inflammation in the neck, which can, in turn, reduce referred pain in the jaw.
Different muscle groups in the neck are known for causing specific referral pain patterns:
Upper Trapezius (Upper Trap): Tension here can cause a headache-like pain that radiates to the jaw, making it feel as though the discomfort originates in the jaw itself.
Suboccipital Muscles: Located behind the skull, these muscles can create a pain pattern that travels through the upper jaw and above the ear, leading to sensations often described as “ear pain” or “jaw pain.”
Understanding these patterns is essential to accurately identify the origin of the discomfort and provide effective treatment.
Our goal is not only to relieve symptoms but to identify the underlying cause. Whether the issue originates in the jaw or the cervical spine, we use a range of techniques, including manual adjustments and soft tissue work, to restore normal function. With continuous assessment, we can confirm where the true problem lies—whether in the neck or jaw—and tailor our treatment to achieve long-lasting relief.
If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, let us help you get to the root of the issue. Our team is dedicated to providing targeted treatment based on a comprehensive evaluation, helping you find relief and improved function in both the jaw and neck.