ANSWERS: 1
  • The most common causes of neck and jaw pain are stress, poor posture, TMJ syndrome or arthritis. Neck and jaw pain are usually the result of muscle strain and tension that stem from these problems.

    Types

    Neck and jaw pain can occur after an accident or injury, or can be symptomatic of a variety of arthritic conditions such as spondylosis, cervical arthritis, fibromyalgia, infections of the spine, small fractures of the spine, herniated spinal disks, or in rare cases, cancer of the spine. The most common cause of is TMJ syndrome, a disorder of the temporal mandibular joint in the human jaw. Severe pain in the jaw or neck that comes on suddenly can signal a heart attack and requires immediate care.

    Identification

    To successfully treat the condition, you must identify the primary causes of neck and jaw pain. Poor posture; huddling over a computer monitor or keyboard for long hours without changing position; prolonged emotional and mental stress; unconscious grinding of the teeth; prolonged muscle tension in the jaw, neck and shoulder area; or some combination of these make up the most common causes. In order to diagnose persistent neck and jaw pain, a physician may order x-rays or blood work to rule out arthritis, dental problems, infection or chronic diseases and conditions.

    Warning

    Severe pain that comes on suddenly may be a symptom of heart attack or of an ongoing cardiac problem. Although in most cases this kind of pain is stress-related and is not immediately dangerous, you should not postpone finding the cause or ignore the pain. When neck and jaw pain is accompanied by other heart attack symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, indigestion, chest or arm pain, or cold sweats, seek emergency treatment immediately.

    Considerations

    TMJ syndrome, a common cause of neck and jaw pain, may be related to stress and grinding of the teeth while sleeping. A person with TMJ syndrome feels or hears a popping sound in the jaw when opening or closing it, and may experience chronic pain the neck, jaw, and shoulder area that interferes with eating and other normal activities. TMJ syndrome is made worse by grinding the teeth at night, unrelieved muscle tension, or by missing teeth or a poor dental bite. A dentist can diagnose TMJ syndrome by feeling your jaw and asking a series of relevant questions. The dentist may then fit you with a night guard to wear over your teeth to prevent nocturnal grinding and to help relieve the condition.

    Prevention/Solution

    Prevent neck and jaw pain through proper posture, attention to healthy ergonomics at work and by practicing stress relief techniques regularly. Sometimes an occupational therapist is recommended so you can relearn work habits that contribute to the problem. In situations in which arthritis or spinal conditions are the main cause, treatment depends on the specific condition involved; a licensed physician should always monitor treatment. You might need to consult a dentist about TMJ syndrome, and have to wear a mouth guard to prevent grinding of the teeth and clenching the jaw during sleep.

    Source:

    TMJ and Dental Health

    Neck Pain

    TMJ Syndrome

    More Information:

    TMJD Overview

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy