26/01/2026
Neck pain and jaw (TMJ) pain are often closely connected.
The neck and jaw share muscles, connective tissue and nerve pathways, which means tension in one area can influence the other. Ongoing neck strain can affect how the jaw moves and functions, while jaw clenching or grinding can place additional load on the neck and shoulders.
Stress and anxiety often play an important role. When the nervous system remains under pressure, muscles can stay in a guarded state. This may show up as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, neck stiffness or headaches — even during rest or sleep.
Jaw tension and TMJ symptoms are also frequently seen alongside digestive issues such as reflux, bloating or disrupted digestion. Poor sleep, night-time clenching and ongoing stress can affect both digestion and muscle tension, creating patterns that keep symptoms going.
Because of these connections, focusing on the jaw or neck alone is not always enough.
In an integrated therapy session, I look at how the neck, jaw, breathing patterns, nervous system load and wider body signals interact. The aim is to support the body as a whole, rather than chasing a single symptom.
When the system is supported, tension often becomes easier to change.