The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a sliding hinge, and it connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint becomes dysfunctional, it may cause significant pain. Because the nerves and muscles in this area are connected, TMJ disorders are linked to recurring headaches, creating a complex cycle of pain. Here is more information about the connection between TMJ and headaches:
Misaligned Bite
Your bite affects jaw function, and a minor misalignment may create strain. This condition forces the jaw muscles to work harder to properly bring the teeth together. Over time, this constant strain travels from the jaw to the surrounding muscles in the head, which can trigger tension headaches. Correcting a misaligned bite may alleviate pain.
Shared Symptoms
The symptoms of TMJ disorders and headaches can overlap, which sometimes makes diagnosis challenging. Patients may report pain that seems to start behind their eyes, in their temples, or at the base of their skull. This pain might be a dull, steady ache, or it could present as a sharp, throbbing sensation.
Pain is a shared indicator for both conditions, and this discomfort typically radiates from the jaw to other areas of the head and neck. Because this nerve is large and linked to the TMJ, irritation can manifest as a headache. People may experience the sensation as a migraine or a tension headache.
Recognizing these shared signs helps in seeking an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider. A clicking or popping jaw, earaches, and pain are also typical of TMJ disorders. If you experience these symptoms alongside headaches, it may suggest a link between the two conditions. Getting a proper evaluation is a practical next step.
Inflamed Jaw
Inflammation in the temporomandibular joint is a direct source of pain. When you have swelling, it may result from arthritis, an injury, or persistent tooth grinding. An inflamed jaw joint does not function smoothly, and this irritation can spread to nearby tissues and nerves, contributing directly to headache pain.
When the jaw joint becomes inflamed, the body’s natural response can lead to widespread pain. The inflammation creates pressure, and this affects nerves that extend into the scalp and face. The pain feels like it’s wrapping around the head, mimicking a classic tension headache while originating in the jaw.
Overworked Muscles
Jaw muscles that are constantly tense or overused can become a significant source of pain. This muscle fatigue may come from habits such as clenching your jaw, and this can occur during the day or grinding your teeth at night. These overworked muscles can develop trigger points, which are tight knots that refer pain to other areas, including the head.
This referred pain is a primary reason why TMJ disorders cause headaches. The jaw muscles are powerful, and when they are overworked, the strain doesn’t stay in one place. When you have this condition, you might experience this as:
- Pain in your temples
- Headache upon waking
- Soreness along your cheekbones
When the muscles responsible for chewing are overworked, they can trigger tension headaches that affect your daily life.
Get Treated for TMJ
Understanding how jaw issues trigger head pain shows why treating the root cause is beneficial. If you are struggling with persistent headaches and suspect a jaw-related issue, you are not alone. Contact an orthodontics office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in managing TMJ-related pain and headaches.