TMJ and the Neck
Many people with neck pain in Kansas City visit their doctor and receive a diagnosis related to the cervical spine. However, neck symptoms are often misdiagnosed, since many medical professionals overlook the jaw’s role. As a result, TMJ neck pain symptoms may go undiagnosed for months, years, or even decades.
At our Kansas City neuromuscular dental office, we understand how closely the jaw and neck are connected. TMJ dysfunction develops when one or more of the muscles that support the temporomandibular joint are not functioning properly. Because the musculoskeletal system operates as a whole, misalignment of the TMJ can influence other muscles that affect the position of your jaw, head, neck, and upper body. This is why dysfunction of the TMJ impacts not just your jaw, but your entire body.
How TMJ Symptoms Spread to the Neck and Beyond
When the temporomandibular joints become inflamed, the irritation often spreads along connected muscles and nerves. This can create discomfort far beyond the jaw, affecting the head and upper body. Inflammation that travels through muscles, ligaments, and tendons often feels like a dull, aching tightness. It may begin in the jaw but radiates into the temples, face, and even the cervical region.
Because these symptoms can seem unrelated, TMJ is often missed as the source of pain. At Raman Center for TMJ & Sleep in Kansas City, Dr. Prabu Raman uses advanced neuromuscular dentistry techniques to identify the true cause of discomfort and provide effective treatment.
Common TMJ Symptoms
Patients who visit our Kansas City office often report more than jaw pain. Some of the most common TMJ symptoms include:
- Stiff feeling like you “slept on it wrong”
- Persistent pain
- Shoulder discomfort
- Upper back pain
- Burning or tingling sensation
- Decreased range of motion
These symptoms may be frustrating, especially when they don’t improve with traditional treatments for neck or spine issues.
What Separates TMJ Neck Pain from Other Neck Pain?
Many patients wonder how to tell whether their neck pain is caused by the spine or connected to TMJ dysfunction. The key difference is often how the discomfort responds to jaw movement. When the issue is TMJ-related, pain tends to worsen while the jaw is active and ease when it rests in its optimal position.
When neck pain appears alongside other TMJ symptoms such as headaches, ear ringing, or jaw clicking, Dr. Raman uses advanced diagnostic testing to measure jaw movements and joint sounds. This precise approach makes it possible to distinguish TMJ-related discomfort from other sources of head, shoulder, and upper body pain.
Comprehensive TMJ Care at Our Kansas City Neuromuscular Dental Office
People travel from around the world to seek care from Dr. Prabu Raman. With decades of experience, Dr. Raman is a pioneer and educator in physiologic neuromuscular dentistry. By using advanced technology, we help patients find lasting relief from TMJ symptoms and neck pain in Kansas City.
If you’re struggling with jaw discomfort, neck pain, or unexplained headaches, we encourage you to take the first step toward relief today.
Call (816) 436-4422 to schedule your new patient evaluation.
