Neck pain / neck ache

In a physiological head position, the neck supports approximately five kilograms of weight.

Due to excessive computer and smartphone use, the head often shifts forward, disrupting this natural alignment. The further the head moves forward, the greater the load placed on the temporomandibular joint and the cervical spine. In a healthy posture, the cervical spine has a slight inward curve when viewed from the side. With forward head posture, this natural curve straightens, causing the gaze to tilt downward. To restore balance, the body compensates for this altered position: the muscles at the back of the head and neck tense continuously, lifting the head forward and upward to bring the gaze level again. As this “new” balance forms, the muscles at the front of the neck become overstretched, while those at the back shorten. The jaw shifts backward, the chewing muscles tense, and pressure increases on the temporomandibular joint. In this altered position, the normal biomechanics of the jaw joint are disrupted, which can further contribute to temporomandibular symptoms such as local or radiating pain and jaw clicking.

Due to the abnormal jaw position and altered movement, the muscles become overloaded. Increased strain leads to the formation of trigger points in the jaw muscles. Trigger points are characteristic, palpable nodules within the muscle that produce referred pain when pressure is applied — for example, radiating into the shoulder, shoulder blade, or arm. We differentiate between active and latent trigger points. A trigger point is considered active if pain is present even at rest, whereas a latent trigger point produces neck pain only when pressed. During therapy, postural correction exercises are used to restore proper alignment, and releasing the jaw muscles helps reduce neck pain caused by trigger points.