Many chronic headaches and migraines are caused or made worse by a TMJ problem. Identifying that connection is often the missing step between years of failed treatments and lasting relief.
Many chronic headaches and migraines are caused or made worse by problems with the jaw. When the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or the surrounding muscles are not working properly, the pain often spreads to the head, temples, and behind the eyes. Identifying that connection is the key to finding lasting orofacial pain relief.
At South Bay TMJ, Sleep, Headache & Orofacial Pain Institute, our specialists are trained to find headache causes that other providers may miss, including the jaw, muscle, and nerve problems that quietly drive head pain.
The jaw muscles are among the strongest in your body. When these muscles become tense, overworked, or inflamed, the pain does not stay in the jaw. It travels.
The reason has a name: referred pain. The trigeminal nerve is the main nerve responsible for sensation in the face. It also plays a central role in many types of headaches. Its branches connect the jaw joints, jaw muscles, temples, forehead, and the area around the eyes. When the TMJ or jaw muscles send pain signals through the trigeminal nerve, the result feels like a headache, even though the source is the jaw.
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), which overworks the jaw muscles around the clock
A displaced disc inside the TMJ that creates inflammation and joint irritation
Tight muscles in the jaw, face, and neck (myofascial pain with trigger points)
If you have been told you have “tension headaches” or “migraines” but treatment has not worked, the pattern of your symptoms can hint at a jaw origin.
Band around the entire head
Usually one side; can shift sides
Dull ache with deep pressure; worse with chewing
Steady pressure; mild to moderate
Throbbing; moderate to severe
Worst in the morning (nighttime clenching)
Builds during the day; tied to stress
Episodic; can last 4 hours to 3 days
Jaw clicking, soreness, limited opening
Tight neck and shoulder muscles
Nausea, light/sound sensitivity, aura
If you have been told you have “tension headaches” or “migraines” but treatment has not worked, the pattern of your symptoms can hint at a jaw origin.
Pain location: Temples, behind eyes, along the jaw and ear
Pain quality: Dull ache with deep pressure; worse with chewing
Common timing: Worst in the morning (nighttime clenching)
Other symptoms: Jaw clicking, soreness, limited opening
What makes it worse: Chewing, talking, yawning, stress
Treatment focus: Address the jaw, muscle, and nerve source
Pain location: Band around the entire head
Pain quality: Steady pressure; mild to moderate
Common timing: Builds during the day; tied to stress
Other symptoms: Tight neck and shoulder muscles
What makes it worse: Stress, poor posture, fatigue
Treatment focus: Muscle relaxation; stress management
Pain location: Usually one side; can shift sides
Pain quality: Throbbing; moderate to severe
Common timing: Episodic; can last 4 hours to 3 days
Other symptoms: Nausea, light/sound sensitivity, aura
What makes it worse: Triggers vary by person (foods, hormones, sleep)
Treatment focus: Acute relief plus preventive medication
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A thorough exam of your jaw joints, jaw muscles, face, head, and neck
Our approach focuses on finding and treating the underlying cause rather than just managing symptoms. Most patients notice a meaningful reduction in headache frequency and severity within the first few weeks of treatment.
TMJ disorders can trigger migraines in some patients. The trigeminal nerve, which is involved in migraines, also connects to the jaw joints and jaw muscles. When TMJ problems irritate this nerve, it can set off a migraine. Treating the TMJ disorder has been shown to reduce both frequency and severity for many patients.
Morning headaches are a common sign of nighttime teeth grinding (sleep bruxism). When you grind or clench during sleep, the jaw muscles are strained for hours. The result is often a headache that is most noticeable the moment you wake up. A custom oral appliance worn at night can help prevent this.
Signs that your headache may be jaw-related include temple pain, jaw soreness or clicking, pain that gets worse with chewing, and headaches that have not responded to typical treatments. If you have both headaches and jaw symptoms, an orofacial pain specialist can evaluate whether they are connected.
Yes. When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly, the jaw muscles have to work harder to find a comfortable position. That extra strain can lead to muscle fatigue, tension, and headaches. Correcting the bite alignment with an oral appliance or other treatment can relieve the muscle strain and reduce headaches.
The goal of treatment is long-term relief. Many patients see lasting improvement after their TMJ condition is properly treated. Some patients may need ongoing use of an oral appliance at night to prevent a return of symptoms. Your doctor will create a plan to maintain results over time.
Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist · Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain · Assistant Professor, UCLA
We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.