Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, TMJ Dysfunction, and the Role of Physical Therapy
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects joint stability, skin elasticity, and overall tissue integrity. While there are several types of EDS, hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most commonly linked to TMJ dysfunction.
If you have EDS and jaw pain, you may already know that TMJ issues are extremely common—but what you might not know is how much your neck and spine stability play a role in both jaw function and overall pain levels. This is where physical therapy comes in to help address the global problems.
Why Does EDS Lead to TMJ Problems?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is designed to function with a delicate balance of mobility and stability. In people with EDS, ligaments are more lax, which means the TMJ often moves too much. This hypermobility can lead to:
Frequent jaw subluxations (partial dislocations) or full dislocations
Clicking, popping, or shifting with jaw movement
Excessive muscle tension as the body tries to compensate for instability
Pain from overworked muscles and irritated nerves
Many people with EDS and TMJ dysfunction also experience neck pain, headaches, and overall postural instability—which makes sense, because everything is connected.
The Link Between TMJ, Neck, and Spine Stability
The neck and spine provide foundational stability for the jaw. If your cervical spine (neck) is weak or unstable, your TMJ is more likely to be overworked and irritated.
Common issues seen in EDS patients with TMJ dysfunction include:
Weak deep neck flexors – The muscles that support the front of the neck are often weak, leading to a forward head posture that increases strain on the jaw.
Poor proprioception (body awareness) – Many people with EDS struggle with knowing where their body is in space, which can make jaw and neck control more difficult.
Upper cervical instability – Some people with hEDS also have craniocervical instability (CCI), which can contribute to dizziness, headaches, and additional stress on the jaw.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Because EDS is a connective tissue disorder, treatment should focus on supporting and strengthening the muscles rather than relying on overstretched ligaments for stability.
A physical therapist familiar with EDS can help with:
TMJ Stabilization Exercises – Focused jaw control exercises that improve stability without overloading the muscles, even with decreased jaw mobility it is still often a stability problem and not a range of motion problem.
Neck & Core Strengthening – Strengthening the deep neck flexors, postural muscles, and core to improve overall stability.
Joint Protection Strategies – Learning how to reduce excessive motion in the jaw and neck while still maintaining function.
Soft Tissue & Manual Therapy (When Needed) – Hands-on techniques for tight muscles, but with caution—EDS patients often need gentler approaches, typically this is better for the immediate effects on pain vs trying to increase mobility in someone with EDS.
Neuromuscular Re-education – Training the body to improve awareness and control of jaw and neck positioning; when your ligaments are lax, or you have pain, or an injury to a joint and ligaments the proprioceptive information sent to your brain can be wrong and neuromuscular training will help this.
Should You See a Specialist or PT First?
If you have EDS and TMJ dysfunction, starting with physical therapy is often a good choice because:
Physical therapy is non-invasive and can help determine what’s contributing to your pain.
You can usually get into PT faster than seeing a specialist like an orofacial pain doctor.
A skilled PT can work with your entire system—not just your jaw, but your neck, posture, and muscle function as well.
That said, if you have severe jaw instability or believe you may need a bite splint, seeing an orofacial pain specialist may also be helpful.
The Bottom Line
If you have EDS and TMJ dysfunction, physical therapy plays a key role in treatment. Stability—not just flexibility—is the goal. By improving jaw control, neck stability, and overall posture, you can reduce pain and improve function without overloading already lax joints.
If you’re struggling with EDS-related jaw pain, consider getting evaluated by a physical therapist with experience in hypermobility disorders—it could make a huge difference in your recovery.