Causes of Muscle Spasms in Anterior Neck and Jaw

Post-Treatment and Iatrogenic Causes

Cervical dystonia represents a critical cause of painful dystonic spasms in cervical muscles, occurring after neck dissection, radiation therapy, or both, and requires assessment for painful dystonic spasms of cervical muscles at each follow-up visit, according to the American Cancer Society 1, 2, 3
The American College of Radiology recommends referral to rehabilitation specialists for comprehensive neuromusculoskeletal management and treatment with nerve-stabilizing agents or botulinum toxin type A injections into affected muscles for pain management and spasm control 1, 2, 3

Hemifacial spasm results from vascular compression of the facial nerve, causing unilateral hyperactivity and spasm of facial musculature including jaw muscles, as reported by the American College of Radiology 4, 5
Brainstem lesions, lesions along the facial nerve course, and extracranial facial nerve involvement can cause jaw and anterior neck spasms, according to the American College of Radiology 4, 5

Mechanical pain originating from the cervical spine and supporting structures represents the majority of nontraumatic neck pain cases, with cervical radiculopathy as the primary mechanical pain etiology, as stated by the American College of Radiology 6

Elevated inflammatory markers combined with neck pain and spasms indicate potential inflammatory or infectious processes requiring urgent investigation, with red flags including constitutional symptoms, recent lymphadenopathy, history of immunosuppression, and inflammatory arthritis, according to the American College of Radiology 6, 7

When red flags are present, MRI of the cervical spine without contrast is the appropriate next imaging step for evaluating soft tissue abnormalities, inflammatory processes, and tumor or vascular pathology, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 6, 7