If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, your jaw may be playing a bigger role than you think. Many people don’t realize that jaw pain and headaches are closely connected through the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). At Pain & Sleep Therapy Center – Mainline, we see patients every day who come in for headaches but discover that their jaw is the missing piece of the puzzle.

How TMJ Disorder Can Trigger Headaches

When the TMJ is misaligned or under strain, it can cause:

• Muscle tension that radiates into the temples and forehead
• Tightness in the neck and shoulders, contributing to migraines
• Nerve irritation that leads to pain behind the eyes or across the face

This overlap often makes TMJ-related headaches feel like classic migraines — but the root cause is very different.

Signs Your Headaches May Be TMJ-Related

Consider the TMJ connection if your headaches are paired with:

• Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
• Facial pain or tenderness near the jawline
• Grinding or clenching your teeth (especially at night)
• Earaches or ringing in the ears
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully
  

Why Many Patients Go Undiagnosed

Because headaches have many potential causes, TMJ disorders are often overlooked. Patients may try over-the-counter pain relievers or migraine medication without success — only to find relief once their TMJ issue is properly addressed.

Treatment Options That Help Break the Cycle

At Pain & Sleep Therapy Center – Mainline, we provide therapies that target both jaw function and headache triggers, including:

• Custom oral appliances that reduce pressure on the TMJ
• Cold laser therapy to decrease inflammation
• Regenerative therapies to repair joint damage
• Stress and lifestyle guidance to reduce clenching and grinding

Get to the Root of Your Headaches

If you’re tired of living with chronic headaches or migraines, it may be time to consider whether your jaw is the source. Our team in Bryn Mawr specializes in uncovering the hidden link between jaw pain and headaches — and creating treatment plans that bring lasting relief.

Schedule your consultation today with Pain & Sleep Therapy Center – Mainline.

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