01/31/2026
Ever notice how jaw tension and neck pain seem to show up together?
That’s because your brain actually connects them.
Deep in your brainstem, there’s a shared nerve hub where signals from your jaw, face, and upper neck meet. When your jaw muscles tighten or your bite is off, your brain may read that discomfort as neck pain, headaches, or facial pressure — even if your neck isn’t the real problem.
This is why:
• Jaw clenching can trigger headaches
• Neck stiffness can feel like jaw pain
• TMJ issues often come with facial pressure
Your brain processes jaw position and neck position as a team, not separate systems.
✨ If you’ve been chasing pain relief without answers, this connection matters.
If you clench, grind, or wake up with jaw soreness, gentle jaw stretching, posture awareness, and a dental evaluation can make a big difference.
You’re not imagining it — your body is just trying to communicate.
💬 Save this, share it with someone who gets headaches or jaw pain, and follow for more bite-sized dental health tips that actually make sense.
Dr Rocelle Maliksi RN DDS
408.262.2604