Is Your Neck Causing Your Jaw Pain? The Cervical + TMJ Connection Explained

If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, popping, headaches, or tension that never quite goes away, your neck may be the missing piece of the puzzle. The connection between the jaw (TMJ) and the cervical spine is one of the most important—but most overlooked—contributors to persistent pain.

At Flourish Physical Therapy, I see this pattern all the time: someone comes in for TMJ pain and discovers their neck mechanics are driving their symptoms. Once we treat both systems together, everything finally starts to improve.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

How the Neck and Jaw Work Together

Your jaw doesn’t move in isolation. It’s supported by a network of muscles that connect directly to your:

• Upper cervical spine

• Skull

• Shoulders

• Tongue

• Posture system

When the neck becomes stiff, unstable, or overloaded, jaw mechanics change. That means even “jaw-focused” exercises won’t work if the cervical spine isn’t addressed.

The key anatomical players:

• Suboccipitals → tiny muscles at the base of the skull that drive headaches and jaw tension

• SCM + upper traps → major postural muscles that influence jaw alignment

• Suprahyoid + infrahyoid muscles → coordinate swallowing and jaw motion

• Deep cervical flexors → stabilize the neck and prevent forward head posture

If the neck becomes tight, weak, or unstable, the TMJ takes the hit.

Signs Your Neck Is Contributing to Your Jaw Pain

If you experience even one of these, the neck is likely involved:

✔ Headaches behind the eyes or at the base of the skull

✔ Ear fullness or pressure

✔ Jaw clicking that changes depending on posture

✔ Pain with chewing or talking after a stressful day

✔ Neck stiffness when you wake up

✔ Dizziness or lightheadedness

✔ Pain that jumps between the jaw, face, and neck

Most people don’t realize neck tension can refer pain directly into the jaw, creating a confusing cluster of symptoms.

Why Forward Head Posture Overloads the TMJ

This is the #1 driver of jaw pain I see—especially in people who sit at a computer or clench their teeth.

When the head drifts forward:

• The jaw shifts backward

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• The bite becomes compressed

• The neck muscles take over to support the skull

• The nervous system becomes more sensitive

This position creates a perfect storm for:

• TMJ clicking

• Jaw fatigue

• Grinding and clenching

• Headaches

• Neck pain

Correcting posture alone won’t fix everything, but it removes a major stressor.

How Physical Therapy Treats TMJ + Cervical Pain Together

A truly effective treatment plan MUST address both regions. Here’s what that looks like at Flourish PT:

1. Hands-On TMJ + Neck Manual Therapy

Gentle mobilizations reduce joint pressure and restore natural jaw tracking.

2. Deep Cervical Stability Training

These small stabilizing muscles are the key to eliminating recurrent TMJ symptoms.

3. Postural Strengthening for Long-Term Relief

Improving shoulder girdle and upper back support removes strain from the TMJ.

4. Neuromuscular Re-education for Jaw Mechanics

Tongue posture, chewing coordination, and controlled opening/closing retrain the TMJ to move smoothly.

5. Stress & Habit Awareness

Clenching often happens subconsciously. Training awareness—and building alternatives—reduces overload.

6. Home Strategies You Can Start Today

• Chin-tuck lifts

• Controlled jaw opening

• Tongue-to-palate resting posture

• Gentle suboccipital stretches

• Ergonomic adjustments

Small, consistent changes create big results.

When to See a TMJ + Cervical Specialist

You should seek a specialist when:

• Pain lasts longer than 1–2 weeks

• You have ear symptoms without an ear infection

• Jaw clicking or shifting is increasing

• You wake up with tension or headaches

• Chewing becomes painful

• You feel unstable or stiff in your neck

You deserve a plan that addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms.

Ready to Finally Get Answers?

If you’ve been bouncing between dentists, massage therapists, or online exercises with little relief, you are not alone. TMJ pain almost always involves both the jaw and the cervical spine, and treating them together is what creates lasting change.

At Flourish Physical Therapy, we specialize in:

• TMJ dysfunction

• Cervical pain & instability

• Hypermobility-related jaw issues

• Headaches

• Posture-related jaw dysfunction

If you’re ready for relief, you can book a TMJ & cervical evaluation right here in Bellevue.

Book Here