A TMJ headache is a type of headache linked to issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Disorders affecting this joint, known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), are frequently associated with primary headache conditions such as migraine and tension-type headaches. Systematic reviews have shown that up to 61.5% of migraine sufferers and 38.5% of tension-type headache patients also have TMD, highlighting the importance of assessing jaw function in persistent headache cases.
The Temporomandibular Joint Explained
The temporomandibular joint is a complex hinge-and-slide joint that allows your jaw to move up, down, and side to side for chewing, speaking, and facial expressions. It works closely with surrounding jaw muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Disorders affecting this joint can be caused by factors such as injury, arthritis, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, and an uneven bite.
The Trigeminal Nerve and TMJ Headaches
The link between TMJ disorders and headaches often comes down to the trigeminal nerve. This is the fifth cranial nerve, responsible for carrying sensory information from the face, jaw joints, and teeth to the brain. It also helps control the muscles used for chewing.
When the TMJ or surrounding muscles become irritated or inflamed through jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or joint injury or other common triggers, the trigeminal nerve can be overstimulated. This stimulation may trigger pain signals that the brain interprets as headaches or even migraines. Over time, repeated irritation can lead to nerve sensitisation, making the trigeminal nerve more reactive to pain signals.
The trigeminovascular system, which includes the trigeminal nerve and nearby blood vessels, is also important. When activated, it can release chemicals such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). These cause inflammation and blood vessel changes that contribute to migraine-like pain.
How TMJ Causes Headache Pain
A TMJ headache is pain originating from the jaw joint or its supporting structures that extends into the head. This headache pain can affect one or both sides of the head and may be accompanied by facial pain, jaw tenderness, or discomfort when chewing.
One of the key mechanisms is the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensory information from the jaw and face to the brain. Irritation of the TMJ can overstimulate this nerve, activating pathways that overlap with migraine and tension-type headache pain. This process contributes to shared neurovascular pathways and central sensitisation, where the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals over time.
Common triggers include jaw injury, chewing gum for prolonged periods, teeth clenching, and stress. In some cases, arthritis or other joint issues can also contribute.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Headaches
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but often include:
- Aching pain in the jaw, face, or head
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Jaw locking or clicking sounds
- Tenderness in the jaw muscles
- Pain around the ear
- Shoulder or neck discomfort
- Headaches that worsen with chewing or jaw movement
- Other symptoms such as sleep disturbances, teeth clenching, or facial tension
Research suggests that the overlap between TMD symptoms and headache pain is common, with a meta-analysis estimating that up to 82.8% of patients with painful TMD experience headaches. Because of their connection with the trigeminal nerve, TMJ-related headaches may sometimes resemble migraines, presenting with throbbing pain, facial sensitivity, or headaches that worsen during chewing or jaw movements.
Causes and Risk Factors
TMJ headaches can be triggered by:
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
- Gum chewing or frequent chewing of tough foods
- Dental issues or uneven bite
- Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis affecting the jaw joint
- Stress and tension in the jaw or facial muscles
- Poor posture impacting head and neck alignment
How TMJ Headaches Are Diagnosed
If you experience persistent headache pain along with jaw discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention. You will require an assessment of your symptoms to check jaw movements and look for signs of tenderness or misalignment. Imaging may be recommended if arthritis, injury, or other structural issues are suspected. It is also important to distinguish TMJ-related headaches from conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia or primary migraine, as these can present with overlapping symptoms but may require different treatment approaches.
Treatment Options for TMJ Headaches
Because TMJ headaches involve both the jaw and nerve pathways, effective care often requires a multidisciplinary approach. This may include dental care to address bite issues, physiotherapy to ease muscle strain, lifestyle strategies to manage stress, and in some cases medical treatment for pain control.
In most cases, conservative treatments are recommended first:
- Self-care and lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, practising relaxation techniques, and deep breathing exercises
- Avoiding hard foods and gum chewing; choosing soft food when symptoms flare
- Using a custom mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding or clenching during sleep
- Physical therapies such as ultrasound therapy to ease muscle tension
- Dental care to correct bite issues if necessary
In more severe cases, medical treatments such as medications, injections, or surgical treatments may be considered.
Dental interventions, such as the use of maxillary stabilisation appliances, have shown potential in reducing headache frequency and severity in patients with TMD-related pain, though higher-quality research is still needed. Combining dental care with approaches like the Watson Headache® Approach can help address both the jaw and neck components of TMJ headaches.
Preventing TMJ Headaches
Prevention strategies can help reduce flare-ups:
- Maintain good posture to support head and neck alignment
- Avoid habits that strain jaw muscles, such as prolonged gum chewing or jaw clenching
- Manage stress levels through lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and regular exercise
Seek early medical attention for jaw pain or frequent headaches
How Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic™ Can Help
At Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic™, we understand that TMJ headaches can be complex, often involving both jaw and neck structures. Using the Watson Headache® Approach, our clinicians assess and treat sensitivity in the brainstem and upper cervical spine – areas that may contribute to TMJ headache pain. Our aim is to address the root cause, not just manage symptoms.
We work with chronic headache sufferers to create tailored treatment plans, often collaborating with other healthcare providers such as dentists and physiotherapists when jaw function or dental issues play a role. Through improved patient education, we also help you adopt self-care strategies to manage chronic headaches and reduce recurrence.
Taking the Next Step in Managing TMJ Headaches
TMJ headaches are a common yet often misunderstood source of head and facial pain. By understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and seeking timely treatment, you can take steps towards long-term relief. If you suspect your headaches may be related to your jaw, the team at Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic™ is here to help.
Book your initial consultation with us today.
References
Dibello, V. et al. (2023) ‘Temporomandibular disorders as contributors to primary headaches: A systematic review’, Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, 37(2), pp. 91–100. doi:10.11607/ofph.3345.
Yakkaphan, P. et al. (2022) ‘Temporomandibular disorder and headache prevalence: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Orofacial Pain & Headache, [no volume]. Available at: https://orofacialpain.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/yakkaphan-et-al-2022-temporomandibular-disorder-and-headache-prevalence-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis.pdf (Accessed: 12 August 2025).
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., Svensson, P. and Jensen, R. (2023) ‘An update on temporomandibular disorders and headache’, Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 23(7), pp. 337–346. doi:10.1007/s11910-023-01291-1.
Zakrzewska, J.M., Shankland, W.E. and De Laat, A. (2023) ‘Temporomandibular disorders, bruxism and headaches’, Neurologic Clinics, 41(4), pp. 999–1013. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2023.06.004.
