TMJ Pain Isn’t Always Just About the Jaw
Many people living in South Miami, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Fort Lauderdale experience daily jaw pain, clicking, or tightness often diagnosed as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). But what most patients don’t realize is that these jaw problems often don’t start in the jaw at all.
A large percentage of chronic TMJ pain cases actually involve cervical ligament instability in the upper neck, especially around the C0 – C2 region. When the ligaments supporting the upper cervical spine are loose or damaged, it alters the way the head and jaw align creating abnormal muscle tension, bite changes, and joint irritation.
At DMX Miami, we’ve seen countless patients from Florida, the U.S., and across Central and South America and the Caribbean who spent years treating their jaw, only to discover the real problem was in their neck.
How the Neck and Jaw Are Connected
Your neck and jaw are part of the same biomechanical system. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae support the skull and directly influence the temporal bone which forms part of the TMJ.
When cervical ligaments are unstable or damaged:
- The head may subtly shift forward or tilt.
- Jaw alignment changes to compensate.
- Muscles around the jaw, neck, and face tighten.
- The TMJ joint experiences abnormal pressure.
- Over time, patients develop chronic TMJ pain, clenching, popping, or clicking.
This is why traditional TMJ treatments (mouth guards, injections, pain meds) may offer temporary relief but don’t correct the root cause.
Why Standard Imaging Often Misses the Problem
Most TMJ patients undergo dental X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans of the jaw. But if the underlying issue is ligament laxity in the cervical spine, those scans won’t show it.
Static imaging can’t capture the subtle abnormal movements happening when you turn, tilt, or flex your neck. As a result, patients are often:
- Misdiagnosed or given partial answers
- Treated with splints or braces without long-term relief
- Left with jaw pain that never fully resolves
This is where Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) comes in revealing hidden cervical instability that standard tests overlook.
How Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) Detects Cervical Instability
DMX is a dynamic imaging technology that records the neck while it moves. Unlike standard films, it allows us to see ligament function in real time.
DMX can reveal:
- Instability in the upper cervical spine (C0–C2)
- Abnormal movement patterns that affect jaw alignment
- Post-whiplash damage contributing to TMJ dysfunction
- Early signs of ligament laxity before severe symptoms develop
For many TMJ patients, this is the first test that actually explains why their jaw pain won’t go away.
Common Symptoms Linking TMJ and Cervical Instability
Patients with upper cervical instability often present with a combination of:
- Jaw pain, clicking, or clenching
- Neck tightness and pressure at the base of the skull
- Headaches or migraines
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Pain when chewing or talking
These symptoms are frequently connected but treated separately which is why many patients struggle for years without answers.
Why Patients from Florida and Abroad Choose DMX Miami
Our clinic in South Miami is a trusted destination for patients from:
- 📍 Broward County and Fort Lauderdale
- 🏴 The rest of Florida and across the U.S.
- 🌎 Central and South America (Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Chile)
- 🌴 The Caribbean
They choose DMX Miami because:
- We detect what standard imaging can’t.
- Our reports guide real treatment plans.
- We offer bilingual care (English and Spanish) for local and international patients.
- We help uncover the true cause of their TMJ pain.
The Importance of Early Detection
Cervical ligament instability is often progressive. What starts as mild jaw tension or occasional clicking can evolve into chronic pain, headaches, dizziness, and bite changes.
Early diagnosis through Digital Motion X-Ray allows patients to pursue targeted treatment and avoid years of frustration with ineffective therapies.
Take the First Step Toward Real Relief
If you’ve been living with jaw pain or TMJ problems and your scans keep coming back “normal,” the issue may actually be in your neck. DMX Miami specializes in uncovering these hidden problems.
Learn more: Treatment
Schedule your appointment today: Appointments
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