Have you ever felt a headache creep in after clenching your jaw or chewing tough food? You’re not imagining it.
There’s a strong link between problems with the jaw joint — known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — and headaches.
In fact, studies estimate that up to 75% of people with TMJ dysfunction also experience frequent headaches.
TMJ jaw pain and headaches can be confusing and frustrating. They often mimic tension-type or even migraine headaches, making diagnosis tricky.
But the good news is that with the right care, they can be significantly reduced or even eliminated.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction and How Does It Cause TMJ Jaw Pain and Headaches?
Your TMJ is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull, just in front of each ear. It’s one of the most used joints in the body — responsible for talking, eating, yawning and more.
TMJ dysfunction (or TMD) occurs when this joint becomes irritated, strained, or misaligned.
This can be due to:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw clenching, often during stress
- Poor posture, especially of the neck and shoulders
- Jaw injuries or arthritis
- Dental issues such as misaligned bites
So how does this lead to TMJ jaw pain and headaches?
The TMJ shares nerve pathways with the head, face, and neck — particularly the trigeminal nerve, which also plays a major role in migraine and facial pain.
When the TMJ becomes irritated or overworked, it can trigger referred pain into the temples, forehead, behind the eyes, or even down the neck — all areas commonly affected by headaches.
Tension in the jaw muscles can also pull on nearby muscles in the face, scalp and neck, creating that classic band-like or one-sided headache.
How Can TMJ Jaw Pain and Headaches Be Managed or Improved?
TMJ dysfunction often responds well to conservative treatment — especially when addressed early.
Physiotherapy plays a key role in relieving TMJ-related headaches by:
- Improving jaw and neck alignment
- Releasing tight or overactive muscles
- Teaching correct jaw movement patterns
- Addressing posture and muscle imbalances
At the Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic, we assess not only the jaw but also the upper cervical spine (C0–C3), which often contributes to headaches.
Combining the Watson Headache Approach with targeted TMJ treatment provides a long-term solution without relying on medication or injections.
Other helpful treatments include:
- Custom splints or night guards (from your dentist) to reduce grinding
- Stress management strategies such as mindfulness or breathing exercises
- Dry needling or massage to relax jaw and neck muscles
- Education on posture and habits that strain the jaw (e.g. gum chewing, nail biting)
If there’s a more complex dental issue, we may also collaborate with dentists or oral health specialists for a comprehensive plan.
Simple Tips to Reduce TMJ Jaw Pain and Headaches
Here are some things you can start doing at home today:
🛑 Avoid clenching: Keep your teeth slightly apart with your tongue resting gently on the roof of your mouth.
💆♀️ Do gentle jaw exercises: Slow, controlled opening and closing of the mouth can help improve mobility and reduce tension (your physio can guide you).
📵 Watch your posture: Slouching, especially while looking at phones or computers, can stress the neck and jaw. Sit upright with shoulders relaxed.
🦷 Skip the chewy snacks: Gum, tough meats and crunchy foods can overwork the jaw joint.
💤 Check your sleep habits: Try sleeping on your back with good pillow support. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or with your hand under your jaw.
🧘♂️ Manage stress: Clenching often happens subconsciously when we’re anxious or tense. Incorporating daily relaxation techniques can help break the cycle.
In Summary
Headaches can have many causes — but if you’ve been clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, or experiencing facial pain, your TMJ may be playing a hidden role.
The good news is that it’s highly treatable with the right combination of physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support.
Don’t let jaw pain keep giving you headaches. Our team can help uncover the root cause of your symptoms and guide you toward lasting relief.
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
Written by:
