Understanding the Link Between TMJ & Headaches

Hello Friends,If you’ve ever had a stubborn headache that just won’t quit — especially around your temples, forehead, or behind your eyes — your jaw might be part of the story. Today we’re diving into the fascinating (and often overlooked) connection between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and headaches.

🤔 What is the TMJ?

Your TMJs are the small but mighty joints on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. They act like hinges, connecting your jawbone to your skull and allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn. When there’s a problem with these joints or the surrounding muscles — called Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD/TMJD) — pain can radiate far beyond your jaw.

🧠 How TMJ Issues Can Trigger Headaches

Research shows that muscle tension and inflammation in the jaw can refer pain to the head, face, and neck.Here’s why:

• Shared Nerve Pathways: The TMJ and surrounding muscles share nerve connections (especially via the trigeminal nerve) with the areas that process headache pain.

• Muscle Overload: Overactive jaw muscles (from clenching or grinding) can tighten neck and facial muscles, creating tension headaches.

• Joint Inflammation: TMJ inflammation can activate pain signals that are interpreted by the brain as a headache.

📚 Research spotlight:A 2021 review in The Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that individuals with TMD are more likely to experience frequent headaches — particularly tension-type headaches and migraines — compared to the general population. Another study in Headache (2019) suggested that treating TMJ-related muscle pain can significantly reduce headache intensity and frequency.

💡 Common Signs Your Headache Could Be TMD/TMJD-Related

• Head pain that worsens with chewing or talking

• Headaches starting near the temples or jaw

• Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw

• Tenderness in the jaw, face, or temples

• Neck and shoulder muscle tightness

✋ How Massage Therapy Can Help

At From the Neck Up, we do a thorough assessment and treatment for TMD/TMJD related headaches — including intra-oral TMJ massage — to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and calm overactive pain pathways.Massage can help by:

• Releasing tight jaw, face, and neck muscles

• Improving blood flow and reducing inflammation

• Decreasing jaw clenching and grinding habits

• Supporting better posture to reduce strain

📆 Take the Next Step

If you’ve been battling headaches and suspect your jaw might be involved, we’re here to help.www.fromtheneckupclinic.com