TMJ headaches: Why your jaw might be triggering your migraines

Do you experience jaw pain or tenderness along with headaches? These two issues could be connected. The joint that connects your jaw to your skull is called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. And as many as 5-12% of people report jaw pain and other symptoms in this joint and the muscles around it, a condition known as temporomandibular disease (TMD).

If you’re living with jaw pain or other TMD symptoms like clicking, popping or trouble chewing, it’s important to visit a specialist or dentist to get checked. TMD not only causes jaw-related symptoms but could lead to other problems—like headaches.

Let’s take a closer look at the link between the temporomandibular joint and headaches, and learn more about how you can find relief.

Can TMJ cause headaches?

TMJ disorders can cause both Dolores de cabeza y migrañas. The exact way that TMJ problems trigger migraines isn’t well understood. But some suggest it increases what’s called “central sensitization”—meaning that your brain becomes more active and able to be triggered into a migraine attack.

There are other reasons you may experience headaches. For example, tension-type headaches could be caused by tension of the jaw, jaw clenching or misalignment of the jaw joint. Inflammation around the joint and strain on the muscles and nerves could also contribute to headaches.

Diagnosing TMJ headaches

Diagnosing TMJ headaches starts with first checking on your jaw joint. If you’re having headaches, a headache specialist can review your medical history and examine your jaw function to look for any tenderness around the temple or the jaw joint itself.

If your exam shows signs of TMD, you’ll also want to see a dental specialist. There, you may have imaging tests like X-rays or a joint manipulation test to see what’s actually going on.

What are the symptoms of TMJ headaches?

TMJ headaches often feel like tension headaches, including feelings of pressure, tightness or a dull ache on one or both sides of the head. They come along with symptoms of TMD, such as:

• Jaw or facial pain
• Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
• A jaw that locks up, making it hard to fully open your mouth
• Worsening pain with chewing, yawning or jaw movement

TMJ location

When diagnosing TMJ headaches, your provider will ask about the location of your headache. A TMJ headache usually starts around the temples and jaw. Then, it can move to the neck and into the forehead.

Lifestyle changes for TMJ headache relief

Like with any type of headache, you’ll want to be mindful of any actions that may be triggering your TMJ headaches and, when possible, make lifestyle changes to help control those triggers. For example, what you eat may affect your headaches. Biting into hard foods like apples or eating chewy foods can cause jaw movements that may trigger TMJ pain or headaches.

While lifestyle changes can help some, because TMJ problems are often a mechanical issue with your jaw, you may need other treatment options to find lasting relief.

Opciones de tratamiento

Sometimes, TMJ issues are part of the reason you’re experiencing headaches, but not the whole cause. So you may need a multifaceted approach that includes care from both a dentist and a headache specialist. Your care team will also look at related conditions, such as sleep apnea or other breathing disorders, to make sure those aren’t contributing to your headaches, too. Once you understand the full picture of your headaches, then you can work together to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.

Dental devices

Dental devices are very helpful in treating TMJ problems that lead to headaches. Your dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted bite guard—also called a splint or mouthguard. These devices are worn while you sleep and keep your jaw joint in the correct position, preventing clenching or grinding that can worsen TMJ disorders.

Medications for TMJ headache

Sometimes, medications can help with TMJ headaches. For example, muscle relaxers may reduce tightness in the muscles surrounding your TMJ. Some people choose botulinum toxin injections specifically for TMJ to relieve the tension that’s leading to headaches.

Jaw exercises for relief

Physical therapy is very beneficial for people living with TMJ headaches. With TMD, certain muscles around your jaw joint aren’t as strong as they should be. A physical therapist can teach you ways to strengthen and stretch these muscles through jaw exercises. And that could reduce symptoms, including headaches.

Alternative therapies

Along with physical therapy, ask your doctor about alternative therapies. Options like acupuncture and biofeedback therapy may help relax muscles and ease tension in your jaw joint.

Self-care for TMJ headaches

If you start to have a TMJ headache, there are a few steps you can take to lessen the pain you’re feeling. Try ice or heat around the jaw joint or temples to reduce pain. And talk to your provider about over-the-counter pain relief medications that may be helpful once a headache starts.

TMJ headache prevention

The best way to prevent TMJ headaches is to avoid anything that you’ve identified as your headache triggers. These can vary from person to person, but some steps you might take to avoid triggers include:

• Avoiding chewing gum or certain foods
• Focusing on proper posture to prevent stress on the jaw
• Reducing overall stress
• Addressing teeth clenching or grinding

Living well with TMJ headaches

The most important thing to know about living with TMJ headaches is that they’re treatable. By working with a headache specialist and a dentist, you can understand what’s behind your headaches and take steps to gain back your quality of life.

If you’re not sure where to start, the Virtual Headache Care program at Baylor Scott & White makes it easy to take your first step. Through the program, you can connect with the right care providers to get a personalized treatment plan for your needs.

If TMJ headaches—or any type of headaches—are impacting your day-to-day routine, take the first step by seeking care. Often, finding relief from TMJ headaches can be as simple jaw exercises or using a mouthguard. These small steps can make a big difference in reducing or stopping your headaches so you can get back to living life.

Start your headache relief journey today with our Headache Care program.