As a back pain doctor, I have treated many patients over the years with chronic back pain. Often, the source of their discomfort is not in the back itself but stems from another area of the body. One common culprit is the temporomandibular joint or TMJ—the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Problems with your TMJ can manifest as pain, pressure or tightness in the jaw, face, neck, shoulders, and even the mid and upper back.
TMJ disorders occur for several reasons, including:
• Grinding or clenching your teeth which puts excess strain on the TMJ
• Arthritis or inflammation of the TMJ
• Jaw injuries or fractures that damage the joint
• Autoimmune conditions that cause swelling in the TMJ
• Muscle spasms in the jaw, face and neck that spread to surrounding areas
TMJ can also cause back and shoulder pain because the muscles that control the jaw are also connected to the neck, shoulders, and back muscles. When they are strained, it often leads to referred pain in those areas. The pain is perceived as coming from the back or shoulders, when it is actually stemming from the jaw joint.
Some common symptoms of TMJ back pain include:
• A dull, throbbing ache in the mid and upper back, especially when opening the mouth
• Radiating pain in the shoulders, neck, and between the shoulder blades
• Difficulty turning the head side to side due to stiffness and pain
• Tenderness at the base of the skull which can lead to headaches
• A clicking or popping sound when opening the mouth which indicates the jaw joint is not moving properly
Diagnosing TMJ-Related Back Pain
The best way to determine if your back pain is related to TMJ is through a physical exam and evaluation of your symptoms. I will check for the following signs:
• Limited range of motion or stiffness in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
• Tenderness in the jaw muscles, especially the temporals which attach from the jaw to the skull
• A misaligned jaw or difficulty opening and closing the mouth smoothly
• Referred pain in the back, shoulders or neck when moving the jaw joint
• Headaches, especially those triggered by jaw movements
Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs or CT scans are sometimes needed to check for any structural problems in the TMJ that could be contributing to back and neck pain. Once a proper diagnosis is made, a comprehensive treatment plan including lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medication, mouthguards, etc. can be developed based on the specific cause of your TMJ disorder and related symptoms.
Treatment Options for TMJ-Related Back Pain
Treatment for TMJ back pain focuses on relieving pressure on the jaw joint, relaxing muscles, and correcting any misalignment. Options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Some simple changes can significantly reduce jaw strain and pain:
- Practice good posture with your head level and supported, your shoulders back.
- Apply a warm compress to sore jaw muscles.
- Limit clenching and teeth grinding. Wear a nightguard while sleeping.
- Eat soft foods that don’t require excessive chewing. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
- Relax your jaw. Keep your lips closed and breathe through your nose. Your tongue should rest gently in your mouth.
- Exercises: Targeted exercises can help relax the jaw and strengthen supporting muscles:
- Jaw stretches: Slowly open and close your mouth as far as comfortably possible. Repeat 10-15 times, 3 times per day.
- Neck stretches: Slowly roll your head in circles, first in one direction and then the other. Drop your chin to your chest and raise your chin up while keeping your mouth closed.
- Tongue exercises: Stick your tongue out and move it side to side, up and down. Circle your tongue around the perimeter of your mouth.
- Shoulder rolls: Slowly roll your shoulders in circles, forward and backward to relax neck and shoulder muscles.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide targeted massage therapy and exercises specific to your condition. Ultrasound or heat treatments may also be helpful for reducing inflammation.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants may be recommended to reduce pain and make exercises more comfortable. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medication if needed.
- Mouthguards: A custom mouthguard or splint can help stabilize your bite and relieve pressure on the jaw joint. This may reduce back pain in some cases.
- Counseling: If stress or anxiety are contributing to teeth grinding or jaw clenching, counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy may be helpful for developing strategies to avoid these habits.
In summary, a multi-pronged approach to treating TMJ-related back pain including both medical interventions as well as self-help strategies often works best. Reducing strain on the jaw, strengthening muscles, improving posture, managing stress levels, and learning new habits can all help break the pain cycle and provide more lasting relief when combined with the appropriate treatment options for your condition. With patience and persistence, significant improvements in both jaw and back discomfort can be achieved.
FAQ
Can TMJ affect your lower back?
The symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ or TMD) can be quite widespread, which is one of the most surprising things about them. Symptoms can appear anywhere on a person, including their fingers and low back.
Can TMJ cause shoulder and back pain?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a painful condition that can result from TMJ issues. TMD pain originates in the jaw joints and can radiate to the facial muscles, tendons, and nerves that are connected to it, as well as to your neck, shoulders, and even lower back.
How to relieve TMJ back pain?
- Maintain the resting position of your jaw. …
- Correct your posture. …
- Get a good night’s sleep. …
- Use a hot or cold compress. …
- Reduce stress. …
- Exercise your jaw. …
- Take notice of bad habits. …
- Avoid certain activities and foods.
Chronic TMJ pain may be coming from your neck
Reference:
https://www.citysmilesstlouis.com/blog/tmj-linked-to-low-back-pain/
https://www.drkurtnj.com/blog/4-surprising-symptoms-of-tmj-disorders/