Why Your Jaw Pain, Neck Pain and Headaches Can All Be Connected (Yes, Really)
If you’ve ever wondered why jaw pain shows up alongside neck tension or headaches, you’re not imagining things. The jaw, neck and head are part of a highly connected system. When one area is under strain, the others often compensate - sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly.
Understanding this connection can help explain why symptoms linger and why treating just one area doesn’t always lead to lasting relief.
The Jaw Does Not Work Alone
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) relies on coordination between:
jaw muscles
neck and upper shoulder muscles
posture and head position
nervous system input
When this coordination breaks down, symptoms can spread beyond the jaw itself.
This is why TMJ-related issues rarely feel “local.”
How Jaw Tension Contributes to Headaches
Jaw muscles share nerve pathways with muscles around the temples, skull and even the neck. when jaw muscles are overactive or fatigued, they can refer pain into:
the temples
the sides of the head
behind the eyes
This Often presents as tension-type headaches, even when the jaw doesn’t feel especially painful at first.
The Neck’s Role in Jaw Function
Head and neck posture directly influence how the jaw moves. A forward head position, for example, changes muscle recruitment patterns and can increase strain on the jaw joints and surrounding tissues. Over time, this may contribute to neck stiffness, limited jaw mobility and increased muscle tension.
The body adapts - but not always comfortably.
Why Headaches, Jaw Pain, and Neck Tension Often Coexist
These symptoms frequently appear together because they’re responding to the same underlying stressors. Things like muscle overuse, altered movement patterns, clenching or bracing and a sustained postural strain can all contribute to these symptoms.
Treating only one symptom without considering the others can lead to temporary improvement in an area, followed by recurrence.
Why Imaging Isn’t Always the Full Answer
Many people are surprised to learn that TMJ-related pain can exist even when imaging looks “normal”. It’s even more surprising when I tell people that just because the imaging shows something is “abnormal”, it doesn’t mean that’s where the pain is coming from.
Muscle tension, muscle weakness, coordination issues and nervous system sensitivity don’t show up on scans - but they still significantly affect how the jaw, neck and head feel. .
This is where clinical assessment becomes especially important.
What This Means for Treatment
When jaw pain, neck tension, and headaches are connected, care often needs to address:
jaw and facial muscles
neck and upper shoulder tension
movement patterns and posture
contributing habits like clenching
This doesn’t mean everything needs to be treated at once — but it does mean the bigger picture matters.
When to Consider a TMJ Assessment
You may benefit from a TMJ assessment if:
headaches and jaw pain occur together
neck tension never fully resolves
jaw symptoms fluctuate with posture or stress
treatments help temporarily but not long-term
A clear assessment helps determine what’s driving symptoms — and what isn’t.
If jaw pain, headaches, and neck tension seem to travel together, a TMJ-focused assessment can help clarify how these areas may be influencing one another.
***
About The Author
Melissa Violette, RMT, is @thetongueandjawtherapist . She is a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario and the founder of Welland TMJ, a clinic focused on the assessment and management of jaw-related pain and dysfunction. Melissa has advanced training in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD), myofunctional therapy, and soft tissue–based approaches to jaw, neck, and facial pain. Her work emphasizes thorough assessment, education, and individualized care to help patients better understand the factors contributing to their symptoms.
To book an appointment, visit Welland TMJ Booking
Medical Disclaimer
The content on this blog is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.