Why Your Jaw Pain Might Actually Start in Your Neck

When you’re dealing with jaw pain it can affect just about every aspect of your daily life. It can make eating challenging, long conversations exhausting, and your face feel tense by mid afternoon. When the jaw clicks or your bite feels different, it’s natural to think it’s an issue with the joint. Sometimes that’s true, and sometimes the neck is part of the picture too.

Why Your Jaw Might Be Reacting

The temporomandibular joint is built to hinge and glide smoothly. For that to happen, the muscles of the jaw and the muscles of the upper neck need to coordinate well. If the head is carried in front of the shoulders for long stretches, common with desk work and phone use, those muscles can begin to overwork and tighten. That can influence comfort and how the jaw tracks.

What an Assessment Focuses On

At Harbourview Chiropractic & Massage Clinic, the assessment starts with movement. Dr. Woodman observes how the jaw opens and closes, whether it tracks evenly, and whether certain directions feel restricted or sensitive. He also checks the neck, especially the upper cervical region, since mobility and muscle tone there can influence jaw mechanics.

Care Options That May Be Considered

If chiropractic care is appropriate, your plan may include gentle adjustments to the upper neck, jaw mobilization where indicated, soft tissue techniques, and simple exercises. Recommendations are tailored to what is found, and timelines vary depending on factors like symptom history and clenching habits.

What You Can Do Between Appointments

Small daily habits matter more than most people realize. Reducing clenching, adjusting your workstation setup, and finding practical ways to manage stress can help between visits. Even noticing how often you hold tension in your jaw throughout the day is a useful first step.