Headaches That Won’t Go Away? The Hidden Connection Between TMJ and Migraines
- Kavendra Naidoo
- Nov 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 26
Many Kiwis live with frequent headaches and migraines without realising the root cause isn’t in their head at all it’s in their jaw. If you suffer from jaw pain, clicking, popping, facial tension, ear pain, or tightness when chewing, your headaches may be caused by a condition known as TMJ disorder.
At Auckland Family Dental, we regularly see patients who have lived with chronic headaches for years, only to discover that their jaw joint has been silently triggering their pain.
This guide breaks down why TMJ can cause migraines, how to recognise the signs, and which non-surgical treatments genuinely work. Before we dive deeper, if you're experiencing ongoing jaw discomfort, you can explore our TMJ treatment options in Auckland for guidance.
What Is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)?
The TMJ is the small hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed, stiff, misaligned, or overworked, it can lead to TMJ disorder.
This condition affects:
Jaw movement
Facial muscles
Nerves surrounding the head
Ear and neck structures
Because the TMJ is located right beside the nerves responsible for head and facial pain, even a small issue in the joint can trigger severe headaches or migraines.
How TMJ Causes Headaches and Migraines
TMJ-related headaches happen because the jaw muscles and nerves are connected to the same pathways that control migraine pain.
1. Muscle Tension
When the jaw is misaligned or overused:
Facial muscles tighten
Pressure spreads to the temples & forehead
Trigger points form around the jaw and neck
This tension can lead to:
Tension headaches
Cluster headaches
Migraine-like throbbing
2. Nerve Irritation
Inflammation around the jaw joint affects the trigeminal nerve, which is heavily involved in migraine pathways.
If this nerve gets irritated → migraine triggers become more sensitive.
3. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching can cause:
Jaw stiffness
Wear on teeth
Chronic headaches
Morning migraines
Many patients don’t know they grind until a dentist points out the signs.
4. Jaw Joint Disc Problems
If the TMJ disc slips (disc displacement), it can cause:
Clicking or popping
Locking
Sharp pain
Headaches behind the eyes
Common TMJ Symptoms That Often Get Ignored
Most people with TMJ don’t connect these symptoms with their headaches:
Clicking or popping jaw
Locked jaw or restricted movement
Jaw stiffness or soreness
Ear pain or ringing (TMJ and tinnitus)
Facial pain or pressure
Pain while chewing
Jaw shifting to one side
Neck and shoulder tension
Morning headaches or migraines
If you experience three or more of these, there’s a strong chance your headaches are jaw-related.
TMJ vs Migraine: How to Tell the Difference
Symptom | TMJ Headache | Classic Migraine |
Jaw pain or clicking | ✔ Common | ✘ Rare |
Worse when chewing | ✔ | ✘ |
Pain near temples | ✔ | ✔ |
Light sensitivity | ✔ Sometimes | ✔ Frequently |
Ear pain or fullness | ✔ | ✘ |
Neck stiffness | ✔ | ✔ |
Triggered after stress or grinding | ✔ | ✔ sometimes |
Most patients actually have both, and TMJ makes migraines worse over time.
Home Remedies for TMJ Headache Relief (Short-Term Relief)
If you’re in pain right now, these methods may help reduce pressure:
1. Gentle TMJ Exercises: Simple stretching and strengthening can relax tight jaw muscles.
2. Heat or Cold Therapy: Heat reduces muscle tension; cold reduces nerve inflammation.
3. Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods : Reduce stress on the jaw joint.
4. Jaw Relaxation Techniques : Try to keep teeth slightly apart and tongue resting on the palate.
5. Improve Sleeping Position : Side sleeping can worsen TMJ.
Why Your TMJ Pain Won’t Go Away on Its Own
Untreated TMJ can progress to:
Chronic jaw pain
Worsening migraines
Jaw locking
Limited jaw movement
Increased clicking or popping
Facial muscle strain
TMJ arthritis
If your jaw pain becomes severe or sudden, please contact our emergency dental care in Auckland.
When to See a Dentist for TMJ
Visit a dentist if you experience:
Daily or weekly headaches
Jaw clicking that hurts
Locked jaw episodes
Persistent facial pain
Ear pain with no ear infection
Pain while eating
Worn-down teeth from grinding
Auckland Family Dental provides full TMJ assessments, including bite testing, muscle evaluation, and joint examination. You can book a TMJ consultation with our team for a detailed assessment.
Effective TMJ Treatments at Auckland Family Dental
We focus on non-surgical TMJ treatment options, tailored to your exact symptoms.
1. Custom Night Guards (Bruxism Treatment) : Protects teeth from grinding + reduces muscle tension.
2. TMJ Bite Balancing : Corrects misaligned bite (a major cause of jaw clicking & headaches).
3. Jaw Muscle Therapy: Gentle techniques to release muscle tension.
4. TMJ Splint Therapy: Supports the jaw joint and reduces inflammation.
5. Stress & Grinding Management: Guidance for long-term relief.
6. Advanced Referral (If Needed) : For rare cases of:
Disc displacement
TMJ arthritis
Severe chronic pain
Is TMJ Curable?
TMJ can be effectively managed, reduced, and often completely resolved with:
Correct diagnosis
Proper bite treatment
Custom appliances
Behavioural changes
Most patients experience significant headache reduction within weeks of starting treatment. To explore treatment options based on your symptoms, visit our general dentistry service.
Why Choose Auckland Family Dental for TMJ Treatment?
Your headaches don’t have to control your life the solution may simply be fixing your jaw alignment.
Conclusion
If your headaches or migraines just won’t go away, the issue may not be neurological it may be dental.
TMJ disorder is often overlooked, but treating it can dramatically reduce:
Headaches
Jaw pain
Facial soreness
Ear pain
Neck stiffness
At Auckland Family Dental, we help patients finally find relief from years of chronic pain. Your jaw shouldn’t dictate your life let’s fix the root cause.
