The Connection Between TMJ and Headaches: What You Should Know

Many people don’t realize that problems with the TMJ can cause headaches. When the TMJ is not working properly, it can lead to pain and tension in your jaw and face, which often causes headaches. [1] These headaches might feel like tension headaches or even migraines, making it hard to focus on daily tasks.

Understanding how TMJ disorders and headaches are connected is important not only for your dental health but also for your overall well-being. If left untreated, TMJ issues can affect your quality of life by causing chronic pain and discomfort. [2] 

At Englewood Dental – The Center for Implants and Aesthetics New Jersey, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. Our experienced dental team can help find the root cause of your pain and offer effective treatment options so you can get back to feeling your best.

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the skull in front of your ears. It works like a sliding hinge, allowing your jaw to open, close, and move side to side. This joint plays a big role in everyday activities like eating, talking, and even smiling. [3]  

Sometimes, the TMJ can have problems. This is called TMJ disorder or TMD. People with TMJ disorders may feel pain or tenderness in the jaw, hear clicking or popping sounds when they move their jaw, or have trouble opening their mouth wide. [1]  Other common signs include stiffness in the jaw and headaches.

TMJ disorders can happen for many reasons. Some common causes are injury to the jaw, grinding or clenching your teeth (especially at night), arthritis in the joint, or even too much stress causing muscle tension. [4] 

How TMJ Disorders Can Cause Headaches

The TMJ is located very close to the muscles and nerves in your head and neck. When the joint or the muscles around it are stressed or irritated, this can cause pain that spreads to other areas, especially the head. [3]  

People with TMJ disorders often experience tension headaches or migraines. This happens because the muscles controlling the jaw and those around the head and neck are connected. When these muscles tighten or spasm due to TMJ problems, it can trigger headache pain. [1]  

Jaw misalignment or problems with how your teeth fit together can cause your jaw muscles to work harder than usual. This muscle strain can lead to headaches and facial pain, making it hard to concentrate or enjoy daily activities. [2]  

Understanding this connection is important because treating TMJ problems can often reduce or stop the headaches. That’s why getting a proper diagnosis is the first step to feeling better.

Recognizing TMJ-Related Headaches

If you often get headaches, it’s helpful to know if they might be caused by problems with your TMJ. TMJ-related headaches usually come with other symptoms that affect your jaw and face. 

Common signs that your headaches could be linked to TMJ issues include pain or tenderness around your jaw, especially near the joint in front of your ears. You might also feel earaches or pressure, even if there’s no infection. [1] Some people notice facial pain that comes and goes or stiffness that makes it hard to open or move the jaw fully.

Another important symptom is limited jaw movement, where your mouth might get “stuck” or feel locked when opening or closing. [1] 

TMJ headaches often feel different from regular headaches. They usually start near the temples or around the ear and may come along with jaw discomfort. In contrast, other types of headaches, like migraines or tension headaches, don’t usually have jaw pain or clicking sounds. [4]  

If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to see a dental professional to get a clear diagnosis and the right treatment to ease your pain.

Diagnosis of TMJ and Related Headaches at Englewood Dental

Getting the right diagnosis is the first step to treating TMJ-related headaches. At Englewood Dental New Jersey, our team carefully examines your jaw, muscles, and bite to find the cause of your pain. This usually starts with a physical exam to check how your jaw moves and to listen for any clicking or popping sounds. [3]  

Sometimes, we use special imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to get a clear picture of your TMJ and surrounding tissues. These images help us see if there are problems with the joint or inflammation. [2]  

We also analyze your bite to understand how your teeth fit together and if this could be causing stress on your jaw joint. A precise diagnosis means we can design a treatment plan that best fits your needs and helps relieve your headaches and jaw pain. [2]   

At Englewood Dental, The Center for Implants and Aesthetics, we combine our expertise and advanced technology to provide the best care for TMJ disorders.

Treatment Options for TMJ and Headache Relief

Treating TMJ-related headaches usually starts with simple, non-invasive methods. These can include exercises to relax your jaw muscles, using a bite guard at night to prevent teeth grinding, and managing stress to reduce muscle tension. [3]  

Sometimes, more advanced dental treatments are needed. These might include adjusting how your teeth come together, or in some cases, dental implants or other restorative work to improve your bite and reduce pressure on the joint. [2]  

In rare cases, if other treatments don’t work, surgery may be considered. However, most people find relief with conservative care and lifestyle changes, like avoiding hard or chewy foods and practicing good posture. [1]  

Preventing TMJ-Related Headaches

Prevention is key when it comes to TMJ problems and the headaches they can cause. Simple habits can protect your jaw and reduce the chance of pain. [3]  

Try to avoid habits like chewing gum excessively or biting your nails, which can strain your jaw muscles. Also, be mindful about clenching or grinding your teeth, especially during stressful times. Using a mouthguard at night can help if you grind your teeth while sleeping. [1]  

Maintaining good posture is also important because poor posture, especially when using phones or computers, can add stress to your neck and jaw muscles. Regular relaxation exercises or gentle stretches can help keep your jaw muscles loose and prevent tension headaches. [4]   

Conclusion

TMJ disorders are a common but often overlooked cause of headaches. If you experience jaw pain, clicking sounds, or limited jaw movement along with headaches, it could be related to your TMJ.

Understanding this connection is important because treating the TMJ can help reduce or even stop your headaches, improving your daily comfort and quality of life. At Englewood Dental – The Center for Implants and Aesthetics New Jersey, our experienced team offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment options to help relieve TMJ pain and related headaches. Don’t let TMJ discomfort hold you back, reach out to us to find relief and get back to feeling your best.