San Francisco and Marin CA
TMJ headaches and migraines can be some of the most intense and debilitating types of head pain. TMJ migraines may come with warning signs known as ‘auras’—sensations that a migraine is imminent—which can include visual disturbances, nausea, sensitivity to light, and severe throbbing pain.
One common root cause behind TMJ-related headaches and migraines is a malocclusion, or an imbalanced bite. When the jaw is misaligned, it places added stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles, often triggering these painful episodes. Treating TMJ disorders has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of TMJ migraines.
Conventional migraines are often linked to increased pressure or blood flow in the brain’s protective lining called the dura mater, but TMJ migraines specifically stem from tension in the jaw and related muscles.
How TMJ Muscle Tension Leads to Headaches
A major muscle involved in TMJ headaches is the temporalis muscle, located at the side of your head above your temples. This muscle plays a critical role in closing your jaw, but when your bite is off balance, the temporalis can become overworked and develop painful knots or spasms.
This muscle fatigue and tension commonly lead to TMJ tension headaches. The strain doesn’t stop there—other muscles such as the trapezius in your neck can also become tight, compressing nerves at the base of the skull and causing pain that feels like a sinus headache or pressure behind the eyes. In many cases, this discomfort is actually “referred pain,” meaning it originates from muscles and nerves but is felt elsewhere on the head.
Pain from TMJ tension and related muscle strain may be experienced as headaches on the top of the skull, around the ears, or along the sides of your head.
Where Is the TMJ Located?
The temporomandibular joints are located just in front of your ears on either side of your head. These joints act like hinges, enabling your jaw to open, close, and slide forward and backward. Because the TMJ has complex movement capabilities, it is considered one of the most intricate joints in the body.
Jaw misalignment, teeth grinding, and muscle imbalances all disrupt the natural function of the TMJ and can contribute to chronic headaches and migraines.
Effective Treatments for TMJ Headaches and Migraines
Restoring balance to your jaw and facial muscles is key to reducing TMJ-related pain.
Treatment options may include:
- Custom Orthotic Devices: These removable appliances help realign your jaw, easing muscle tension and improving joint function.
- TENS Therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): This low-frequency electrical stimulation helps relax overworked jaw muscles, making it easier to evaluate the effects of treatment.
- Chiropractic Care: Specialized techniques like NUCCA chiropractic adjustments can realign the head and neck, improving blood flow and potentially reducing the frequency of TMJ migraines.
At Glen Park Dental, we combine the latest dental technology with personalized care to diagnose and treat TMJ headaches effectively. Our goal is to bring harmony back to your bite and relieve the muscle strain that causes pain.
Take Control of Your TMJ Headaches Today
If you suffer from frequent headaches, migraines, or jaw pain linked to TMJ disorder, don’t wait to seek help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Contact Glen Park Dental at (415) 799-3900 or visit us at 4 Joost Ave, San Francisco, CA 94131 to schedule your consultation. Our expert team is here to help you find lasting relief from TMJ headaches and migraines.
