Neck pain has a sneaky way of creeping in — whether from long hours at the computer, stress, or poor posture. Maybe you’ve already tried physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care, or exercise. But what if those strategies only offer temporary relief? Are you stuck with a stiff, sore neck forever?
The answer is no — and here’s something you might not expect: Your jaw alignment and tongue posture could be part of the problem … and the solution. For many people with TMJ pain or jaw-related dysfunction (TMD), subtle alignment issues can contribute to neck tension that doesn’t resolve with traditional care.
It may sound odd, but the way your jaw and tongue are positioned can affect how your head sits on your spine. In fact, even with the best intentions, good posture can be nearly impossible if those elements are out of alignment. Let’s explore how physical therapy for your jaw, combined with awareness of proper tongue posture, can help reduce neck pain and restore comfort.
The jaw-neck connection
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, located just in front of your ears. This joint works overtime whenever you talk, chew, yawn, or swallow — and it shares muscle connections with your neck and shoulders.
When the TMJ becomes tight, misaligned, or overused — for example, from jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or chronic stress — it can create tension that radiates into your neck and upper back. Many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy can target both the jaw and the neck, restoring balance to both regions.
Physical therapy for TMJ dysfunction can improve mobility, reduce tension, and address muscular imbalances that contribute to both jaw and neck pain.
Why tongue posture matters
Your tongue isn’t just for tasting and talking — its resting position actually impacts how your head is supported. Ideally, your tongue should rest gently on the roof of your mouth, not against your teeth or sitting low in your mouth.
When your tongue is properly positioned:
It supports the lower jaw, helping relax the muscles of the face and neck.
It promotes upright head posture. A low tongue posture contributes to forward head posture, tightening the front chain of muscles and pulling your head out of alignment.
It aids healthy nasal breathing, which helps calm the nervous system and reduces neck muscle overuse.
- Pro tip: Chronic mouth breathing can worsen neck pain by encouraging poor head posture and constant tension.
Quick Check: Is your tongue and breathing posture affecting your neck?
Try this at home:
- Is your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth?
- It should gently touch the palate from just behind your front teeth (but not pressing on them) all the way back.
- Say the letter “N” — your tongue naturally hits the right spot.
- Are your lips gently closed?
- Your jaw should be relaxed, with your teeth slightly apart — not clenched.
- Are you breathing through your nose?
- Nasal breathing helps regulate posture and tension more effectively than mouth breathing.
If you’re dealing with stubborn neck pain, don’t overlook your jaw and tongue. They might be quietly contributing to your discomfort. A few small changes in posture and awareness, along with professional help from a skilled physical therapist, can lead to major relief — from the inside out.
How physical therapy can help
At Therapeutic Associates, many of our physical therapists specialize in TMJ physical therapy, using targeted interventions to treat TMD-related symptoms that may be overlooked.
If you’ve been struggling with stubborn neck pain, a physical therapist trained in TMJ and orofacial myofunctional therapy can assess whether jaw and tongue dysfunction are contributing factors. Treatment may include:
- Jaw and facial muscle relaxation techniques
- Hands-on therapy for trigger points and muscle tension
- Postural training for tongue and neck alignment
- Breathing retraining to support proper function
- Neuromuscular re-education to reduce jaw clenching and grinding
These techniques are gentle, effective, and often provide relief when other treatments haven’t worked.
Start with this: tongue on the roof of your mouth, lips closed, breathing through your nose. It can be the first step toward relief.
FAQs About Jaw, Tongue Posture, and Neck Pain
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Q: Can poor tongue posture cause neck pain?
A: Yes. A low or forward tongue position can strain muscles in the neck and face, contributing to pain and poor posture.
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Q: What is the ideal resting tongue position?
A: Your tongue should rest against the roof of your mouth with lips closed and breathing through the nose.
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Q: How is TMJ related to neck pain?
A: TMJ dysfunction can create tension and muscle imbalances that extend into the neck and shoulders.
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Q: Can physical therapy help with jaw and tongue posture?
A: Absolutely. PTs trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy and TMJ therapy can assess and treat these underlying causes of neck discomfort.
Ready to Find Relief?
If you’re tired of dealing with ongoing neck or jaw pain, our team of skilled physical therapists can help. At Therapeutic Associates PT, many of our experts specialize in TMJ/TMD treatement, tongue posture training, and neck alignment — offering a holistic approach to long-lasting relief.
Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and discover a new approach to lasting neck comfort.
