Experiencing jaw pain?
The temporomandibular joint is the small joint located in front of each ear that attaches the lower jaw to the skull. These joints work in combination with various jaw muscles and ligaments, making it possible to open and close the mouth, chew, speak and swallow. When the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and ligaments are prevented from working together properly, a painful TMJ disorder may occur.
Some people report no pain but have jaw dysfunction. Other symptoms can include:
- pain in the neck and shoulders
- migraine and/or chronic headache jaw muscle stiffness
- limited movement or locking of the jaw
- painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- a bite that feels "off"
- ear pain, pressure and/or ringing in the ears
- diminished hearing
- dizziness and vision problems
- tooth sensitivity
So what does your neck have to do with your jaw?
Your upper neck contains a complex web of nerves that feed into an area that influences jaw function. Head and neck alignment also influences the biomechanics of a bite that can be a contributing factor to jaw pain. The NUCCA adjustment is an effective way to gently and precisely correct misalignments in the upper neck, thereby allowing the head and jaw to return to their proper orientation. This helps to reduce extraneous muscle tension and stress on the jaw.