Jaw Clicking, Jaw Pain and a Stiff Neck: How They're Connected
Does your jaw click when you yawn? Does it ache after chewing nyama choma, or feel tight when you wake up? Maybe you also get headaches around your temples and a stiff neck by evening. These problems often travel together, and there's a good reason why.
What is TMD?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge in front of each ear that lets you open your mouth. When the joint, or the muscles that move it, become painful or stop working smoothly, it's called a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
It's more common than most people think. About 5–12% of people have jaw symptoms that need treatment, and women are about twice as likely to seek help.
Common signs include:
- Clicking or grinding sounds when you open your mouth
- Pain when chewing, talking or yawning
- A jaw that feels stuck, or that shifts to one side as it opens
- Headaches around the temples
- Neck and shoulder tension
Why your neck is involved
Your jaw and upper neck work as a team. Every time you open your mouth, your upper neck moves slightly too. The nerves of the upper neck also share pathways with the nerves of your face. That's why a forward head posture, from hours at a desk or on your phone, can overload your jaw muscles.
Other common triggers include clenching or grinding your teeth (often during stress or sleep), mouth breathing, long dental procedures and old injuries such as whiplash.
How physiotherapy helps
Treatment focuses on the things that can be changed: posture, muscle tension, breathing and habits. At Katasi Physiotherapy, your plan may include:
- Gentle hands-on release of the jaw and neck muscles
- Jaw control and relaxation exercises
- Posture correction for work and phone use
- Advice on clenching, chewing and sleep position
- Dry needling for stubborn trigger points
Book your assessment
Jaw pain doesn't have to spoil your meals or your sleep. Book an assessment at Katasi Physiotherapy, Mogotio Road off Muthithi Road, Westlands. Call or WhatsApp 0705 717 353.
Source: Physiopedia – Temporomandibular Disorders
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