Headaches & Migraines
Headaches
TMJ-related headaches are among the most frequently misdiagnosed chronic pain conditions. They are often labelled as tension headaches or stress headaches and while stress may be a trigger, the underlying driver is frequently a jaw muscle overuse and joint dysfunction.
The jaw muscles are among the most powerful in the body relative to their size. When they are chronically overactive due to grinding, clenching, or bite misalignment the sustained muscle tension can radiate upward into the temples, forehead, and behind the eyes, producing persistent or recurring headaches.
Migraines
Migraines are complex neurological events, but jaw dysfunction can be a significant contributing trigger for many migraine sufferers. The trigeminal nerve, the primary sensory nerve of the face and jaw is heavily involved in migraine pathophysiology. Chronic irritation of this nerve through jaw tension, bite imbalance, or joint inflammation can lower the threshold for migraine onset and increase their frequency and severity.