TMJ Headaches: Causes, Symptoms & How to Get Relief

TMJ Headaches: How Your Jaw May Be Causing Your Head Pain

TMJ headache is a head pain caused by tension in the jaw muscles that spreads along the cheekbones and to the top or sides of the head. It is frequently misdiagnosed as a tension or migraine headache.

Learn about TMJ diagnosis and treatment at our Gilbert dental office  →  East Valley TMJ

What Does a TMJ Headache Feel Like?

The typical TMJ headache is a tight, dull ache, most often on one side of the head. It is usually worse on the side of the more severely affected TMJ, worsens with jaw movement, and improves when the jaw rests. Migraines are more throbbing and acute, and may include visual disturbances.

TMJ Headaches and Misdiagnosis

One study found that TMJ-related migraines were misdiagnosed as tension headaches in 31% of patients. The jaw joint is directly connected to the skull via large muscles that cover the sides of the head. When these muscles become stiff or inflamed, they exert significant pressure on the head, producing headaches that mimic tension headaches.

Getting Rid of a TMJ Headache

Medical Treatment

A dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend a custom bite guard to address the clenching and grinding that commonly causes TMJ headaches. These are management strategies — addressing the underlying cause is necessary for lasting relief.

Lifestyle Changes

•       Avoid foods that are too firm or chewy

•       Manage stress to reduce jaw clenching

•       Avoid wide gaping and gum chewing

•       Short-term NSAIDs for pain and headaches

•       Apply ice to reduce jaw pain

•       Perform jaw exercises to relax muscles

Oral Appliance Therapy

An oral appliance worn during sleep can reduce teeth grinding and help gently reposition a misaligned jaw, addressing the mechanical cause of the headaches.

Jaw Exercises

A simple relaxation exercise: place the tongue behind the upper front teeth, relax the jaw, and allow the teeth and tongue to separate slightly. Other exercises such as chin tucks and side-to-side jaw movements can also provide relief.

Get TMJ Headache Treatment in Gilbert, AZ

If you are experiencing frequent headaches that may be related to TMJ disorder, Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI is experienced in diagnosing and treating TMJ-related headaches at his Gilbert dental practice. No referral needed — book online or call (480) 539-7979.

About the Author

Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI has been practicing dentistry in Gilbert, AZ since 1994. He is highly trained in neuromuscular and physiologic dentistry, with extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, orofacial pain, and jaw dysfunction. One of fewer than 500 dentists worldwide to hold the LVIF designation from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

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