Neck pain is a common yet often overlooked symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a condition that affects the delicate balance between the jaw and surrounding muscles. At our dental office in Wilmington, Delaware, we provide comprehensive care that goes beyond routine checkups to uncover the root causes of discomfort. With advanced treatment options designed to ease pain, restore proper function, and improve overall well-being, we help patients find lasting relief and renewed comfort in daily life.

TMJ Is the Joint, TMD Is the Disorder

Many people use the terms “TMJ” and “TMD” as if they mean the same thing, but they’re not identical. TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. Everyone has two TMJs—one on each side of the face—that allow you to chew, talk, and yawn.

TMD, on the other hand, stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. This term describes the problems that can happen when the joints don’t work the way they should. When the TMJ is strained, injured, or out of alignment, it can lead to TMD symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, or even discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

The TMJ-Neck Pain Connection

Neck pain might not be the first thing people think of when it comes to jaw problems, but the two are closely connected. The jaw joint shares muscles, nerves, and ligaments with the neck and shoulders, which means stress or imbalance in the jaw often spreads beyond the face. When the jaw isn’t aligned properly, the muscles around it have to work harder to support basic movements like chewing or speaking. This extra strain can travel down into the neck, causing tightness, stiffness, and even headaches.

Because many people assume neck pain is caused by poor posture, stress, or sleeping the wrong way, its connection to TMD is easy to miss. That’s why a comprehensive dental evaluation can be so important — it helps uncover whether the jaw is playing a hidden role in ongoing neck discomfort.

FAQs About TMD and Neck Pain

Neck pain linked to TMD usually flares up with jaw movement—like chewing, talking, or yawning—and may be accompanied by jaw clicking, headaches, or ear discomfort. If your neck pain seems tied to how your jaw feels, it could be a sign of TMD.

Yes. TMD-related neck pain can often be relieved by correcting jaw alignment and reducing strain on overworked muscles. A dentist trained in TMJ care is best equipped to evaluate whether your jaw is contributing to the problem. With treatments like custom orthotics, bite adjustments, and other therapies, they can address the root cause of discomfort—helping ease neck pain and restore proper function.

TMD can affect more than just the neck. Many patients also experience frequent headaches, ear ringing or fullness, jaw clicking, facial soreness, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth comfortably. These symptoms often overlap, making a thorough evaluation important.

Our Delaware Dentists Treat TMD

At our Wilmington dental office, TMD care begins with simple, non-invasive therapies to ease discomfort and relax the jaw. Custom appliances, gentle muscle relaxation, and advanced imaging help us stabilize your bite and identify the source of strain.

If long-term support is needed, we may recommend orthodontics, restorative dentistry, or tooth replacement to keep your bite balanced. Some patients find lasting relief after the first phase alone, while others benefit from a complete treatment plan for lasting comfort and function.

Learn More About TMJ Neck Symptoms

If you feel you may have TMJ and are suffering some of the symptoms discussed here, please contact Dr. Garrett Goodling today at (302) 994-0979 and one of our dental team members will answer questions or schedule a new patient evaluation.