Chronic Neck & Shoulder Pain

It may seem surprising that jaw dysfunction could produce pain in the neck and shoulders but this connection is well-established in clinical practice. The muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders form an interconnected system. When the jaw is chronically strained or misaligned, tension radiates downward into the cervical spine, the upper trapezius, and the shoulder girdle.

Dr. Sam Hakim’s own clinical journey began when he noticed patients returning with unexplained damage to their dental work and also reporting ringing in the ears, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort that seemed unrelated to their dental care. The common thread, he discovered, was an unbalanced bite and jaw dysfunction. This insight became the foundation of his approach to TMJ care.