The surprising connection between your neck, jaw and pelvic floor
When we think about pelvic floor dysfunction, we often focus on the muscles that support our bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. But the reality is, your neck and jaw may be playing a bigger role in pelvic symptoms than you realise.
As a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, I often see women who come in with pelvic pain, leaking or tightness, and report jaw tension, headaches or neck stiffness. They might seem like separate issues but both experience and research show that the jaw, neck and pelvic floor are closely connected.
Chronic pain and the head-jaw-pelvis connection
Chronic pain conditions like pelvic pain and headaches are often linked through dysfunction of the craniomandibular system, which is the complex relationship between your head, jaw, and neck. This system can both cause and be affected by chronic pain, creating a reinforcing cycle that’s difficult to break.
Research shows that jaw pain and dysfunction is closely associated with increased menstrual pain and other pain conditions, including those affecting the abdomen and lower back. And guess what else the research shows? Low back pain is closely tied to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, since your pelvic floor is a direct extension of your core muscles and attaches at your tailbone.
Studies have also found strong links between chronic pelvic pain (such as in endometriosis) and migraine or menstrual headaches, suggesting that these conditions may share similar underlying mechanisms.
The neck and pelvic floor are connected via the muscles, cartilage, and nerves that run along the spine. When spinal alignment or stability is altered, it can set off a cascade effect, triggering pain and dysfunction in both regions
The fascial web: How everything is physically connected
Fascia (a continuous sheet of connective tissue) within the body creates a structural and functional link between the jaw, spine, diaphragm and pelvic floor. This means that tension in one area, such as from clenching your jaw or poor posture, can contribute to tightness and imbalance elsewhere, including your pelvis.
Because the human body functions as a cohesive unit, dysfunction in one region can influence the rest. Abnormalities in breathing, posture, gait or muscle coordination can lead to trigger points and dysfunction in the pelvic floor, which in turn can affect the rest of the body.
For example, your diaphragm (the main muscle of breathing) and your pelvic floor work together in a beautifully coordinated partnership. Every time you take a breath in, your diaphragm moves downward, creating pressure that gently lengthens and relaxes your pelvic floor. As you breathe out, the diaphragm rises and the pelvic floor naturally recoils and lifts. When this relationship is disrupted (for example, due to shallow breathing, poor posture, stress or abdominal tension) the pelvic floor can become overactive or underactive. This may contribute to symptoms such as pelvic pain, leaking, constipation or even neck and jaw problems.
The nervous system and stress connection
Your jaw, neck and pelvic floor are all closely linked through the autonomic nervous system, the part of your body that automatically regulates stress, digestion and relaxation. When you’re under stress, your body shifts into a “fight, flight or freeze” state. This can cause you to clench your jaw, tighten your shoulders and hold tension through your pelvic floor without even realising it. Over time, these subconscious habits can lead to chronic muscle tension, pain and difficulty relaxing or fully activating the pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor and jaw share neural and muscular patterns of holding and release, meaning when one area is tense, the other often is too. People who grind their teeth, clench their jaw or experience neck tension often also have an overactive or “guarded” pelvic floor. This is one reason why pelvic pain, bladder urgency or painful intimacy often worsen during times of emotional stress.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists can help
Pelvic floor physiotherapists are uniquely trained to assess and treat how the pelvic floor interacts with the rest of the body (including the spine, jaw, breathing mechanics, posture and nervous system). We look at the bigger picture of how your body moves, responds to stress and compensates for tension elsewhere.
A comprehensive assessment might include:
Pelvic floor examination (internal and/or external) to assess muscle tone, strength, and coordination
Postural and movement analysis to identify contributing patterns from the spine, hips, neck or jaw
Breathing assessment to check how the diaphragm and pelvic floor work together
Jaw and neck screening for tension, clenching, or pain that may influence pelvic function.
From there, the approach is always individualised but may include:
Manual therapy and release techniques for the pelvic floor, abdomen, jaw or neck to reduce muscle tension and restore mobility
Breathing and relaxation retraining to calm the nervous system and re-establish pelvic floor–diaphragm synergy
Exercise prescription to strengthen or down-train muscles as needed, supporting spinal stability and core coordination
Education and self-management strategies so you can understand your body and maintain progress
Lifestyle and stress management advice as pain, tension and emotional load are often interconnected.
The takeaway
Your body works as a unified system, and the jaw, neck, spine, and pelvic floor are deeply interconnected. When one area becomes tense or dysfunctional, it can affect the others.
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, jaw tension, headaches, or neck stiffness, consider booking an appointment with a women’s health physiotherapist for a holistic assessment. Small changes in one area can often lead to big improvements in how your whole body feels and functions.
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To make a booking, phone 07 5337 9853.
