Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Q. Can a jaw joint problem cause trouble elsewhere?
A.
Neck and shoulder stiffness or headache are sometimes seen alongside a temporomandibular joint disorder. That does not mean the jaw is the cause of all of it.
📝 Detailed Answer
In people who come to us with a temporomandibular joint disorder, these symptoms are sometimes seen alongside.
- The back of the neck is always tight and the shoulders stiff
- Headache or migraine is frequent
- Swallowing food is difficult, or breathing feels uncomfortable
- The area around the jaw feels dull and heavy each morning
- Shoulder heights differ, or the pelvis is tilted
One caution, though. Having these symptoms does not establish that the jaw is the cause. Eye or ear symptoms should be checked first by an ophthalmologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist, and if you have been told there is nothing wrong there, that is the point at which the structure can be examined alongside.
Expert Verified
Injun Eo
Director