With many police officers dealing with long hours on the job and mounting stress, it is inevitable that tension can manifest itself in many ways. Often, headaches and jaw pain, known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), are the main culprits. The discomfort caused by tension headaches and TMJD is usually temporary and can be relieved with self-managed and conservative treatments that include physical therapy. Symptoms such as jaw tightness, clicking, and uneven bites cause tension that can travel upward towards our temples and into our neck. Neck stiffness, in particular – suboccipital muscle restriction, can travel downward causing jaw pain as well. There is an important link between the jaw and neck that can lend itself to overall pain. This is why physical therapy treatment is tailored to both the upper spine and the jaw joint. Methods that may be used in rehabilitation to relieve headaches and TMJD include an ultrasound to warm tight muscles, manual trigger point dry needling, and traction applied to the neck area.
A major component in restoring the balance of the upper neck and jaw muscle tightness is POSTURE! Faulty posture from sitting at a desk all day or behind the wheel of a police car can make symptoms worsen over time as joints are not properly aligned causing sheering and resultant pain referral. Here are a few tips to remember to help maintain proper posture:
Physical therapists also have a unique ability to evaluate for the presence of trigger points and muscle tone. This applies to assessing muscles that cause headaches and jaw pain. The upper trapezius and a muscle called the sternocleidomastoid, play a large role in supporting and moving our head. These muscles become strained and develop trigger points causing pain. Active trigger points in the head, shoulder, and neck muscles are associated with widespread pressure sensitivity and pain in people suffering from headaches and migraines. Dry needling and soft tissue therapy followed by home exercises, that includes careful stretches, are crucial in reducing and eventually eliminating discomfort.
Below are some useful stretches and exercises to reduce headaches and jaw pain.
Levator stretch: Sit upright with good posture and place your hand on the top of your head. Gently draw your head to your side and down towards your knee, opposite the side you have pain. Perform 3 x 30 seconds.
Chin tuck: Sit or stand upright with good posture. Carefully draw your face and chin back creating a double chin effect. Hold this position for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times. One should feel relieving tension in the back of the neck.
Sternocleidomastoid stretch: Sit upright with good posture and place your hand on the top of your head. Gently draw your head to your side and look up. Perform 3 x 30 seconds.
For a more comprehensive and tailored program to fit your needs, make an appointment with a skilled and knowledgeable physical therapist at IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery. We specialize in treating headaches and TMJD.
At IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery, we understand the unique physical demands and stresses that police officers and first responders face every day. Persistent headaches, jaw pain, and neck stiffness don’t have to be part of the job. Through targeted physical therapy treatments, posture correction, and personalized exercises, lasting relief from TMJD and tension-related headaches is possible. Our skilled physical therapists are here to help you restore balance, improve mobility, and reduce pain — empowering you to perform your best, both on and off duty.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward feeling better, contact IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery today to schedule your personalized evaluation. Relief is possible — and we’re here to help you achieve it.
