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Jaw clenching and teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders. This is because the neck and jaw are connected by joints, so issues in one area can cause pain in the other. Stress and anxiety are common causes of jaw clenching, and over time, this can lead to muscle tension and pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. This can be treated with mouth guards, muscle relaxers, jaw exercises, and stress relief techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can jaw clenching cause muscle spasm in the neck and shoulder? | Yes, jaw clenching can cause muscle spasms in the neck and shoulder. |
| Conditions that cause neck and jaw pain | TMJ dysfunction, anxiety, frozen shoulder, stress, depression, teeth grinding, bruxism, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tetanus, cervical dystonia, ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spondylosis, herniated disk, meningitis, whiplash, trauma or injury, heart attack, COVID-19, sinus infection |
| Treatments for neck and jaw pain | Relaxation-focused exercises, yoga, physical therapy, mouthguard, muscle relaxers, Botox injections, prescription pain relievers, jaw exercises, soft foods, shortwave diathermy, orthodontics, dental restorations, surgery, corticosteroid injections |
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What You'll Learn
Stress, anxiety and depression
Stress, anxiety, and depression can cause jaw clenching, which in turn can lead to muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders. The medical term for jaw clenching is bruxism, which can occur during sleep or while awake. It is often an unconscious habit, but it can also be caused by tension in the jaw.
Stress and anxiety can cause a person to clench their jaw or grind their teeth without realizing it, and over time, this can lead to persistent jaw and neck pain. This is because the neck and jaw are connected by joints, so issues in one area can affect the other. Anxiety-related jaw clenching may also cause or worsen temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD affects the joint that connects the skull and lower jaw, as well as the surrounding muscles.
Chronic anxiety and stress can lead to chronic muscle tension, resulting in neck and back pain. Anxiety can also lead to behaviours such as shoulder hunching, which can contribute to back, neck, and jaw pain. A 2020 study found a clear association between higher self-reported anxiety levels and increased tension in the masseter muscles, which are the facial muscles responsible for chewing.
Depression has also been linked to jaw clenching and neck disability, with a study finding that stress, depression, and neck disability commonly exist with temporomandibular disorders.
To relieve jaw tension caused by stress, anxiety, or depression, a person can try exercises, mouth guards, and behaviour changes. Addressing the underlying causes of anxiety through treatments such as medication or self-care remedies like exercise, stress management, and lifestyle changes may also help.
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Jaw clenching can cause muscle spasms in the neck and shoulder, and it is a symptom of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, also known as TMD. TMD refers to disorders of the temporomandibular joint, while TMJ refers only to the joint itself. People have two TMJs, one on each side of the jaw, which can be felt by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth.
TMD is a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement, such as the muscles used for chewing (masticatory muscles). TMD can also cause headaches and, in some cases, coexist with other conditions such as back pain, sleep problems, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.
The most common form of TMD is myofascial pain, which results in discomfort or pain in the fascia (connective tissue covering the muscles) and muscles that control jaw, neck, and shoulder function. Other types of TMD include internal derangement of the joint, such as a dislocated jaw or displaced disc, and degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.
TMD is twice as common in women as in men, especially between the ages of 35 and 44. While the exact cause of TMD is often unclear, it can be caused by injury or trauma to the jaw, head, or neck, as well as excessive strain on the jaw joints and muscles. Stress and anxiety have also been identified as risk factors for developing TMD, as they can lead to jaw clenching and increased muscle tension.
Treatments for TMD aim to relieve pain and improve jaw function. Some conservative treatments include the use of mouthguards, muscle relaxers, and Botox injections to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching. In more severe cases, medical procedures such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open surgery may be considered to remove scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and reposition the joint disc.
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Bruxism
The causes of bruxism are not fully understood, but several factors are associated with its development. These include stress, anxiety, and certain personality traits such as aggression, competitiveness, and hurriedness. Bruxism is also associated with certain medications, such as antidepressants, and conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, Rett syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The symptoms of bruxism include flattened or worn tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, tooth damage, and jaw pain. During a dental examination, a dentist may identify signs of bruxism and inquire about risk factors, sleep quality, and associated symptoms such as jaw pain, fatigue, and headaches.
The treatment for bruxism depends on the patient's symptoms, age, and general health. Behavioural changes, such as learning proper tongue, teeth, and lip positioning, can help manage mild jaw pain. Mouth guards, worn at night or during the day, can absorb the force of biting and protect the teeth. Relaxation techniques, counselling, and medication may also be recommended to address stress and anxiety, which are commonly associated with bruxism.
While the direct link between bruxism and muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders requires further investigation, bruxism can lead to persistent jaw and neck pain. This pain may be related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are musculoskeletal conditions affecting the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and associated structures. High levels of muscle tenderness in the upper trapezius and temporalis muscles have been correlated with high levels of jaw and neck dysfunction in patients with TMD. Therefore, while bruxism may not directly cause muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, it can contribute to pain and dysfunction in these areas, particularly in individuals with TMD.
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Frozen shoulder
Jaw clenching can be caused by stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep bruxism. Over time, this can lead to persistent jaw and neck pain. While the exact relationship between jaw clenching and neck pain is not fully understood, researchers have identified anxiety as a risk factor for developing temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and associated structures.
Now, onto frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder, making it very hard to move. The condition can last from weeks to months, and full recovery may take up to 3 years. It typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and occurs more often in women than men. People with diabetes and thyroid conditions are at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder. The causes of frozen shoulder are not entirely understood, but it can develop after a shoulder has been immobilized for a period due to surgery, a fracture, or other injuries.
While jaw clenching can cause muscle tension in the neck, the specific mention of muscle spasms in the neck and shoulder was not found in the context of jaw clenching. However, frozen shoulder can indeed cause pain and discomfort in the neck and upper back due to the reasons explained earlier.
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Poor posture
Clenching the jaw for extended periods can cause the neck muscles to work harder, leading to pain and soreness. This is often caused by stress, depression, and anxiety, which can elicit a stress response from the body, causing it to reflexively tense up. This can lead to chronic muscle tension, resulting in neck and back pain.
To address poor posture, it is important to avoid slouching and to keep the head aligned over the shoulders. Using a supportive pillow to maintain neutral neck alignment during sleep can also help. Additionally, neck mobility drills and jaw relaxation exercises can help to stretch and strengthen the neck and jaw muscles. Improving one's workstation setup and taking regular breaks to stretch can also reduce the risk of TMJ-related pain.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, jaw clenching can cause muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders. This is because the neck and jaw are connected by joints, so issues in one area can affect the other. Jaw clenching can also be a symptom of stress and anxiety, which can cause muscle tension in the shoulders and neck.
Muscle relaxers can be used to find temporary relief from neck and jaw tension. A mouth guard can also help to prevent jaw clenching and grinding, reducing tension in the jaw and neck.
Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. This can make moving your neck, head, and shoulders difficult.
Other causes of muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders include stress, teeth grinding, poor posture, arthritis, and whiplash.
