Can Tooth Pain Be Related to Back Pain?

By Your Health Magazine

Most people think of toothaches and backaches as two separate problems. But the body is deeply interconnected — meaning pain in the mouth can sometimes affect the spine, and vice versa. Understanding this connection can help patients find lasting relief instead of just masking symptoms.

How Oral Health Can Influence the Spine

Many people don’t realize that the mouth and jaw are directly connected to the rest of the musculoskeletal system. When something is off with your bite, teeth, or jaw movement, it can create a ripple effect that impacts the neck, shoulders, and even your posture.

TMJ Disorders – The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a hinge, connecting your jaw to the skull. When this joint is inflamed or misaligned, the surrounding muscles work overtime to stabilize it. This added tension can spread into the neck and shoulders, often leading to stiffness, headaches, or upper back pain. Left untreated, TMJ disorders can contribute to long-term postural problems.
Uneven Bite – If your teeth don’t come together evenly, or if you’re missing teeth, your jaw muscles have to compensate every time you chew or speak. Over time, this imbalance forces the jaw into unnatural positions. The strain doesn’t stop there — it can cascade into the neck and shoulders, creating chronic discomfort. A properly aligned bite distributes pressure evenly, reducing stress across the entire musculoskeletal system.
Clenching & Grinding (Bruxism) – Many people clench or grind their teeth without realizing it, especially at night. This constant tension overloads the facial and jaw muscles, which can radiate pain into the neck and back. In severe cases, bruxism can also wear down teeth, cause headaches, and exacerbate TMJ issues. Addressing clenching early not only protects your teeth but also prevents musculoskeletal strain.

In short, what starts as a dental problem often becomes a whole-body issue if left untreated. By correcting bite alignment, managing TMJ disorders, or addressing grinding habits, a Washington, DC Dentist can help patients relieve not just jaw discomfort, but also the postural imbalances and back pain tied to oral health.

How Back Pain Can Show Up as Tooth or Jaw Pain

The reverse is also true: spinal issues can create pain that feels like a toothache. When nerves in the neck or upper back are irritated, they may send “referred pain” to the jaw or face. This can mimic dental problems even if the teeth themselves are healthy.

Poor Posture – Sitting for long periods with the head pushed forward increases tension in the jaw.
Spinal Misalignment – Can irritate nerves that send signals to facial and dental regions.
Chronic Muscle Tension – Tight back and neck muscles can radiate discomfort into the jaw and teeth.

How Chiropractic Care Relieves Referred Dental Pain

Sometimes what feels like a toothache actually starts in the spine or surrounding muscles. When nerves in the neck or upper back become irritated, they can send pain signals that radiate into the jaw and face. This is called referred pain — and it’s one of the reasons patients may struggle to pinpoint whether their discomfort is dental or musculoskeletal in origin.

Dr. Lucas Paredes of Enhanced Chiropractic explains:

“We see many patients who come in with what they think is a dental issue, but it actually stems from the neck or upper back. Misalignment or muscle tension in these areas can create pain patterns that mimic tooth or jaw problems.”

At Enhanced Chiropractic, treatment focuses on restoring balance and relieving the stress feeding into the jaw:

Gentle Adjustments – Improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure on irritated nerves.
Soft Tissue Therapy – Release tight neck and jaw muscles through targeted techniques.
Posture Correction – Re-train daily habits to prevent forward-head posture and chronic strain.
Recovery Tools – PEMF and contrast therapy to calm inflammation and support long-term healing.

By addressing the musculoskeletal system as a whole, chiropractors help patients reduce pain that might otherwise be mistaken for a dental problem.

When to See a Dentist vs. a Chiropractor

Because tooth pain and back pain can overlap, knowing where to start is important:

See a Dentist if…
- You have chipped or missing teeth
- Your bite feels uneven
- You notice jaw clicking, popping, or stiffness
- Pain is localized to the teeth or gums
See a Chiropractor if…
- You have chronic neck or upper back tension
- Pain radiates to the jaw but dental exams show no issues
- You struggle with posture or headaches along with jaw discomfort

Often, the most effective approach is combining care. A general dentist can address dental structures while a chiropractor supports posture and muscular balance.

The Bottom Line

Yes, tooth pain can be related to back pain — and vice versa. The connection between oral health, posture, and the musculoskeletal system means treating one area often helps the other. If you’ve been struggling with persistent discomfort, consider working with both dental and chiropractic professionals to find lasting relief.