TMJ Neck Pain

    For Patients

    Relieving Neck Pain with TMJ Treatment

    Neck pain, often linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, can significantly impact daily life, making simple tasks uncomfortable and reducing mobility. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we provide expert, patient-centered care to alleviate neck pain caused by TMJ dysfunction and restore your comfort and range of motion.

    How TMJ Disorders Contribute to Neck Pain

    TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. This joint influences not only jaw movement but also the surrounding muscles and tissues in the neck and shoulders. When the TMJ is misaligned or under strain, it can create a ripple effect, leading to muscle tension and discomfort that radiates into the neck. Chronic clenching, grinding, or jaw misalignment can exacerbate this strain, causing persistent neck pain and stiffness.

    Common Symptoms of TMJ-Related Neck Pain

    • Persistent stiffness or discomfort in the neck
    • Pain that radiates to the shoulders or upper back
    • Limited neck mobility, especially in the morning
    • Headaches originating at the base of the skull
    • Tension or tightness in the jaw and face

    Why Choose TMJ Therapy for Neck Pain?

    Our team at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders and their associated symptoms, including neck pain. We take a comprehensive approach, combining advanced diagnostics with tailored therapies to address the root cause of your discomfort.

    How We Treat Neck Pain Caused by TMJ

    Our treatment options are designed to relieve strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles:

    • Custom Orthotics: Realign the jaw to reduce tension in the neck and shoulders.
    • Myofunctional Therapy: Strengthen and retrain muscles for improved posture and function.
    • Stress Reduction Techniques: Minimize clenching and grinding that contribute to tension.
    • Postural Support: Address alignment issues that can worsen neck pain.

    Take the First Step Toward Relief

    If neck pain is disrupting your life, the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to lasting relief and improved well-being. Let us help you feel better and move freely again.

    TMJ Neck Pain Relief in New Orleans

      Learn more about what our patients have to say

      about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans

      Very Rev. Philip G. Landry

      5.0 ★★★★★

      Having been diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2003, I was fitted for a head-gear breathing apparatus to alleviate the condition. After struggling with discomfort and lack of sleep, I discontinued use of the device. During a visit to my cardiologist in 2017, I was ordered to take another sleep test which revealed that the condition had reached a dangerous level and that it must be addressed immediately. I shared with Dr. G. Johnson my concerns from the past and he informed me that a new mouth piece for this sleep disorder was available and referred me to Dr. Terry Billings, DDS.

      I contacted Dr. Billings and during my first appointment with him, after a series of tests, he determined that I had another condition, TMJ, which would have to be treated before addressing the sleep disorder. He explained to me that I would have to wear mouthpieces, one by day and one by night, for twelve weeks to correct this issue. My instant reaction was that as a Catholic priest serving as the rector of the St. Louis Cathedral, I often celebrate televised Masses during which a mouthpiece would certainly be a deterrent. Dr. Billings patiently and understandingly explained that I really had no option but assured me that he would be able to make weekly adjustments to the mouthpieces that would help with these concerns.

      Now as I approach the final weeks of this treatment, I am pleased to share that I have been most satisfied with the care and attention of both Dr. Billings and his staff. The level of professionalism and proficiency which I have experienced in the weekly office visits have made a challenging issue bearable. It is amazing to me what the treatment of the TMJ has done for my overall health and well-being and as I now await the mouthpiece to address my sleep disorder I am most grateful to Dr. Billings for his diagnosis and excellent treatment during this period of preparation for it.

      Arden Ballard, PA-C, MS

      5.0 ★★★★★

      You don’t hear that often about a dentist, but his attention to detail, meticulous examination and in-office testing led to uncovering a severely deviated septum that needed prompt surgical intervention. I’m forever grateful for him and his entire staff.

      Dr. Billings noticed that I checked yes to a few items on his questionnaire. When he began asking about my fatigue, sluggish feeling, etc. I blamed it on the kids and being a parent of two young boys. After his dental exam, he insisted that there could be more to my symptoms. After a chat, we decided to do an in-office Facial CT scan. It’s been 4 years since I had one, so I agreed. Everything was promptly scheduled, and their text reminders kept me on schedule.

      I did the CT scan, and Dr. Billings pointed out my severely deviated septum and recommended I get a prompt ENT evaluation. I brought a printout of the CT to my next appointment, and I ended up having sinus surgery 3 weeks later.

      Immediately after surgery, I knew something was different. After healing, I was sleeping better, breathing better and, sure enough, less sluggish and not reaching for my 3pm coffee. All from going to the dentist.

      My teeth look great, too!

      Dr. Billings has opened my eyes to understand that dentists are part of the entire medical team, and when using their training to the fullest, they can change lives.