Headaches can be caused by many things — stress, dehydration, lack of sleep — but sometimes the source is your jaw. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can trigger a specific kind of headache that feels different from other types. If you’ve been dealing with recurring head pain, understanding what a TMJ headache feels like can help you and your dentist find the right treatment.
Where the Pain Starts
The temporomandibular joints are located on each side of your head, just in front of your ears, and connect your jawbone to your skull. When these joints become strained, injured, or misaligned, the surrounding muscles and ligaments can tighten, creating tension that radiates into your head.
A TMJ headache often begins with discomfort in the jaw, temples, or around the ears. You might notice the pain increasing when you chew, talk, or yawn, since these movements put pressure on the joint.
How the Pain Feels
TMJ headaches are usually described as:
- A constant, dull ache on one or both sides of the head
- Tight, pressure-like pain in the temples
- Pain that spreads from the jaw or ear up toward the scalp or down into the neck and shoulders
Unlike migraines, TMJ headaches typically don’t come with visual disturbances or nausea, but they can still be severe enough to affect daily life.
Other Symptoms That May Come With It
If your headache is caused by TMJ issues, you might also notice:
- Jaw clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth.
- Limited jaw movement or a feeling of stiffness.
- Tenderness around the jaw muscles.
- Ear-related symptoms like ringing (tinnitus) or a sense of fullness without an ear infection.
These additional signs can help distinguish TMJ headaches from tension headaches or sinus pain.
What Triggers TMJ Headaches
Many TMJ headaches are linked to habits or conditions that put stress on the joint, such as:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (often at night).
- Poor posture, especially forward head posture from phone or computer use.
- Jaw injury or arthritis.
- Stress, which can lead to muscle tightening in the jaw and neck.
Relieving and Preventing TMJ Headaches
If you think your headaches might be TMJ-related, a dentist or TMJ specialist can evaluate your bite, jaw function, and muscle tension. Common treatment options include:
- Mouthguards or splints to prevent teeth grinding.
- Jaw exercises and stretches to improve mobility.
- Stress management techniques to reduce clenching.
- Hot or cold compresses for pain relief.
- Posture correction to reduce strain on the neck and jaw.
A TMJ headache feels like a persistent, tension-filled ache that often starts in the jaw area and radiates toward the temples, neck, and shoulders. Recognizing the pattern and associated symptoms is the first step toward getting relief. With the right diagnosis and treatment, TMJ headaches can be managed and your head (and jaw) can finally get a break.
About the Author
Dr. Mihran Asinmaz earned his dental degree at Nova Southeastern University. After completing his dental school education, his commitment to excellence took him to New York, where he completed a rigorous General Practice Residency (GPR) in the prestigious North Shore – Long Island Jewish Health System. This advanced training gave him much of the foundational knowledge he needed to start providing the complex dental treatment that he does today. With this kind of training and experience, trust Dr. Asinmaz and our team to treat your TMJ issues. Schedule an appointment online or call our West Palm Beach office at (561) 640-9200.