Why Clenching Is Causing Your Neck Pain
You might blame your pillow. Or the way you slept., your workout or sitting at your desk. But if your neck keeps tightening up over and over again, there’s a good chance something else is involved.
And it’s usually jaw clenching.
I see it all the time here at my studio MySelf Mind & Body in Newport Beach.
Someone comes in because their neck hurts and nothing they do makes it relax. They spend all their energy trying the calm their neck but the neck muscle are affected by the jaw muscles and when your are a clencher, grinder or both those actions are straining your neck muscles.
Clenching doesn’t stay in the jaw
When one group works too hard, the others jump in to help. Over time, that support turns into overload.
If the jaw is clenching all day (and sometimes all night), the neck begins to:
brace
shorten
fatigue
lose mobility
Eventually, you feel pain when you turn your head, look down at your phone, or try to relax.
Most people don’t realize they’re doing it
Clenching is often connected to focus, stress, driving, working, or even exercising.
It becomes a common posture for the body and overtime can contribute to neck pain, headaches and even ear pain.
The “I slept wrong” myth
Most people think I slept wrong, I sneezed too hard or it happened overnight. But, tension builds gradually. And we have learned to ignore the pain until something is screaming at us and even then we hope it just goes away.
Then one small moment is too much for your body to handle.
Why the neck keeps re-tightening
Massaging the neck will make it feel better but if you’re a clencher and the jaw muscles aren’t also addressed the relief will be very temporary.
What I do differently in my sessions
When someone comes to me for neck pain relief in Newport Beach, I look at the full pattern. I ask about stress, clenching, posture, anxiety, and based on your answers I usually include
jaw muscles
scalp
temples
under the cheekbones
front and sides of the neck
around the eyes
Sometimes I use my hands, sometimes I use gua sha, or cupping depending on what will allow the tissue to respond best. It’s not aggressive. It’s specific and methodical.
What clients usually notice
After we include the jaw, people often notice:
turning their head feels easier
less pulling into the shoulders
fewer headaches
feeling lighter
sleep is more restful
Not because we forced anything, but because the workload finally got shared differently.
How to work with me
Jaw tension is something I regularly include in therapeutic massage at MySelf Mind & Body. And even my facials include facial massage to release tension, improve circulation and reduce puffiness giving your skin a natural glow.
These patterns are very common, especially for people under constant mental load. You don’t have to wait until the pain is intense to address it. Working with it while it’s still manageable tends to create easier, longer-lasting change. And if its constantly bothering you then its a good idea to have some work done on it.
Hi I’m Lety
Licensed massage therapist and holistic esthetician with 20+ years of experience. I specialize in customized skincare and bodywork that support real, lasting results. On the blog, you’ll find expert tips, ingredient insights, and wellness advice to help you feel confident in your skin and connected to your body.
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