Physical therapists point to jaw and neck muscles as TMJ pain drivers

Capitol Physical Therapy is highlighting how muscles in the jaw, neck and upper back can contribute to temporomandibular disorder symptoms such as pain, clicking and headaches. The clinic says a broader physical therapy assessment can help identify movement and posture factors behind persistent TMJ discomfort.

Why it matters: - TMJ symptoms are not always caused only by the jaw joint. - Muscle tension, posture and movement patterns can keep pain going even when the joint itself is not the only issue. - A broader evaluation may help people with jaw pain, headaches, neck pain or upper-back discomfort get more targeted care.

What happened: - Capitol Physical Therapy published an educational article, “The Muscles Behind Your TMJ Pain, and How Physical Therapy Can Help.” - Dr. Subha Nagasubramanian, a physical therapist and owner of Capitol Physical Therapy, said TMJ pain can involve tight or overloaded jaw muscles as well as tension in the neck and upper back. - The article explains how physical therapy may address muscular and movement-related contributors to TMJ symptoms.

The details: - The temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. - The masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid muscles help control jaw movement. - The masseter is a major chewing muscle and can become tender or fatigued with frequent clenching or grinding. - The temporalis can become tense or overworked and may contribute to jaw discomfort and headaches. - The medial and lateral pterygoids help with opening, closing, forward movement and side-to-side movement of the jaw. - The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says temporomandibular disorders affect about 5% of U.S. adults. - Estimates vary by population and diagnostic criteria, which makes individualized evaluation important for persistent symptoms. - The sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles can affect head and neck positioning. - Forward-head posture from prolonged desk work and phone use may increase muscular demand around the jaw. - TMJ symptoms can overlap with headaches, neck pain and upper-back discomfort. - Teeth clenching, teeth grinding, gum chewing and nail biting can add stress to the jaw muscles. - Stress can increase clenching and persistent muscle tension. - The exact cause of TMJ pain is often unclear, and more than one factor may be involved at the same time.

Between the lines: - The article pushes back on the idea that TMJ pain is only a dental or joint problem. - Capitol Physical Therapy is framing TMJ care as a whole-body assessment issue, not just a local jaw complaint. - That approach reflects a broader physical therapy model that looks at posture, muscle load and coordination together. - The clinic also cites a 2025 review suggesting dry needling may reduce pain and improve function in some people with TMJ disorders, but says treatment must be individualized.

What's next: - Physical therapists may assess the jaw, face, neck, shoulders and upper back when TMJ symptoms persist. - Treatment may include manual therapy, soft-tissue work, therapeutic exercise and postural retraining. - In appropriate cases, specially trained physical therapists may use intraoral manual techniques with patient consent. - Dry needling may be added for selected patients when clinically appropriate. - Capitol Physical Therapy says care may focus on pain management, mobility and function through an individualized plan. - Capitol Physical Therapy provides services in Washington, DC, and Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and offers orthopedic and pain-related treatment using manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, postural retraining and dry needling when appropriate.