When jaw pain won’t quit, the focus usually stays on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): splints, bite adjustments, injections, or surgery. But for many patients, the jaw is not the only problem. The upper cervical spine plays a powerful role in jaw mechanics and sensory input. Ligament instability at C0–C1 and C1–C2 can alter head posture, strain suboccipital and masticatory muscles, and affect the neural pathways that modulate jaw pain. Because these changes are positional, standard imaging often misses them. Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) is designed to find instability that emerges only during motion clarifying stubborn TMJ cases.
The neck jaw connection
The TMJ and upper cervical spine share biomechanical and neurological links. Postural shifts at the skull-neck junction change mandibular tracking; cervical proprioception influences jaw muscle activity; and trigeminal cervical convergence helps explain why neck dysfunction can radiate into the face or jaw. If upper cervical ligaments are lax, the head sits forward, muscles guard, and the jaw’s hinge mechanics are forced to adapt often badly.
Why standard imaging falls short
Dental imaging focuses on occlusion and joint surfaces. Cervical MRI or static X-rays may look normal when you’re still. But if the neck’s instability appears only while turning or extending, the images will miss it. That’s why some patients cycle through dental splints and bite tweaks with partial relief at best: the neck generator hasn’t been identified.
How DMX reveals the missing piece
DMX captures video X-rays while the neck performs controlled movements. We evaluate for:
- Ligament laxity allowing abnormal gapping/slippage at C0–C1/C1–C2.
- Abnormal coupling between rotation and side-bending that correlates with jaw symptoms.
- Segment-specific instability that reproduces pain during certain positions.
By correlating motion findings with jaw clicks, bite “shifts,” or pain behaviors, DMX helps determine whether cervical instability is a driver of TMJ dysfunction.
Symptoms suggesting a neck component
- Jaw pain that worsens with neck movement or slumped posture.
- Clicking/popping aggravated when you turn your head.
- Facial pain with headaches or dizziness.
- Neck stiffness alongside bite changes or uneven chewing.
- Relief when posture improves or the neck is supported.
Case snapshot
“Marisol,” a patient visiting Miami from the Caribbean, tried multiple dental splints with only short-lived relief. Her DMX showed C1–C2 instability that appeared during rotation, with visible over-motion into side-bending. Care shifted to regenerative ligament therapy, targeted upper-cervical adjustments, and stabilization exercises coordinated with her dentist’s bite work. Within three months, jaw pain decreased >70% and her bite felt consistent throughout the day.
What a neck-informed TMJ plan can include
- PRP/cellular injections to tighten specific cervical ligaments.
- Precise chiropractic procedures for the upper cervical spine avoiding over-mobilization.
- Postural and breathing retraining to reduce forward-head load on the jaw.
- Neuromuscular coordination exercises linking neck alignment with jaw motion.
- Dental collaboration so bite therapy and cervical stability reinforce each other.
Miami access, bilingual clarity
Patients from Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe come to Miami to answer the neck-jaw question with DMX. Our bilingual team (English/Español) provides clear explanations, written plans, and coordination with your dentist or therapist at home.
Call 305-275-7475 or book your appointment online
Dr. Rodolfo Alfonso, D.C.
Dr. Mark N. Berry, D.C.
Sunset Chiropractic and Wellness
8585 Sunset Dr. STE 102
Miami, Florida 33143
305-275-7475
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