Covid19 has undoubtedly had a major impact on our lives – physically, mentally and emotionally – so it comes with little surprise that it has brought about an increase of neck pain, headaches and jaw pain.

These episodes can occur either together as a cluster, or in isolation. This trend seems to have been brought about by a combination of poor ergonomics, a rise in sedentary behavior and of course… elevated stress levels!

The Stress Response

Stress occurs in many physical and psychological forms, which results in a cascade of many well-organized physiological changes. When we encounter a stressful situation, a brain structure known as the amygdala is activated and sends a distress signal to the brain’s command center, called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus then sends messages all over the body using the nervous system as a conduit.

These messages trigger the nervous system to activate the adrenal glands, which secrete a hormone called epinephrine, also known as adrenalin. This kick-starts the sympathetic nervous system, bringing about a fight or flight response, preparing the person for danger.

In preparation to deal with danger, this automatic response occurs silently in the background without you even being aware. Your heart rate speeds up to push more blood to your heart, brain and muscles. Your blood pressure rises, your breathing rate increases, and oxygen flows to the brain to trigger alertness. All your senses become sharper.

Once the initial dose of epinephrine subsides, the second part of the stress response in activated, known as the Hypothalamus Pituitary Axis (HPA). Its purpose is to sustain a consistent level of stress hormones so long as a threat is perceived.

In response to this, the muscles in the neck and jaw tense up, becoming increasingly prone to painful muscle spasms. 

The COVID19 pandemic has been an unimaginably stressful time, bringing about a lot of changes globally. This, coupled with poor ergonomic home setup and an increase in sedentary type behavior, has resulted in a noticeable rise in the prevalence of neck pain, headaches and/or jaw pain.

The Interaction of the Neck and Jaw

The anatomical structures of the neck and the jaw are intricately linked both mechanically and neurologically. The muscles of the jaw and some neck muscles share a common nerve supply through the trigeminal nerve, which is another way these two areas are linked. Painful trigger points may develop in the muscles of the neck and the jaw potentially causing referred pain that can lead to tension headaches. An additional source of strain occurs right beneath the skull where all the muscles from the neck attach. Not only is this area very sensitive, but it can also mechanically compress the nerves exiting the neck en route to the head.

Poor seated posture often results in the head pushing the jaw forward, straining both the muscles around the neck as well as the jaw. This is often the case in office workers who spend numerous hours at the computer – this has only increased with remote working. 

Coping Strategies