Some of the most common causes of jaw and neck pain are temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), a bulging neck disc, abnormally aligned neck joints and stress. In some cases, jaw and neck pain can indicate angina or heart attack pain. This type of pain is called referred pain. Sometimes, cardiac-related pain travels up to the neck and jaw, and when this occurs, it is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention. Typically, cardiac pain results in left neck pain, however, it can also be felt as right neck pain. Regardless of which side the pain is on, severe pain, especially when accompanied by nausea, sweating, and dizziness needs prompt medical evaluation.
In cases of TMJ, muscles and joints of the temporomandibular joints can become overstressed or overworked, which can result in nerve irritation and tightness about the jaw and neck. Sometimes, TMJ can cause excruciating and unrelenting pain that can cause the patient to seek emergency room services for pain relief. A dentist experienced in treating TMJ can offer solutions to pain that might include medication or oral devices, which when worn, can properly align the jaw, reducing pain. When jaw and neck pain is related to cardiac causes, nitroglycerin tablets taken under the tongue are usually very effective in dilating constricted blood vessels, and relieving pain.
During periods of emotional stress, people sometimes clench their jaw muscles or grind their teeth. These movements exert pressure upon the jaw and surrounding structures, resulting in jaw and neck pain. Also, jaw and neck pain can result from a sprain or strained muscle, but these occurrences are generally mild and temporary. Treatment for mild cases of jaw and neck pain include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and acetaminophen-based analgesics, heat or cold packs, and the use of stabilizing devices such as cervical collars. Mild physician-recommended exercises might also be effective in treating jaw and neck pain, however, they should not be performed when one is experiencing severe pain.
In cases of severe, non-cardiac jaw and neck pain, the physician might recommend prescription pain relievers. Although effective against severe pain, these types of medications can cause important side effects such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, and inability to drive. Since prescription pain relievers are often codeine based, they sometimes cause gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and constipation. People should never take more than the recommended dosage of prescription pain relievers, and should only use them on a short-term basis, as they have the potential to become addictive.
