The Link Between TMJD and Headaches: How Jaw Tension Triggers Migraines

Headaches and migraines can be incredibly disruptive to daily life, and for many people, the root cause is often overlooked. If you suffer from recurring headaches—especially those centered around the temples, behind the eyes, or starting at the base of the skull—there’s a chance that tension in your jaw could be contributing to the problem.

This connection is more common than you might think. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) isn’t just about jaw pain or popping—it can play a major role in triggering chronic headaches and migraine episodes. Understanding this link could be a game-changer in your path to relief.

What Is TMJD?

TMJD refers to dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the small hinge-like joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. Located just in front of your ears, this joint is responsible for essential movements like chewing, talking, and yawning.

When the TMJ is out of balance—due to stress, clenching, grinding, misalignment, or muscle tension—it can cause a ripple effect through the muscles and nerves of the face, head, and neck.

How Jaw Tension Triggers Headaches

TMJD can lead to several physiological changes that result in headaches or migraine-like symptoms. Here are a few ways this happens:

Muscle Overload and Trigger Points

When jaw muscles like the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids become overworked or tight, they can create tension that radiates to other areas of the head. This tension often causes:

• Pressure or aching in the temples

• Pain that wraps around the head like a band

• Soreness in the jaw, face, or neck

These are commonly referred to as tension headaches, but in TMJD sufferers, the jaw muscles are often the primary source.

Nerve Compression

The trigeminal nerve is one of the largest cranial nerves and has branches that pass near the TMJ. It’s also deeply involved in migraines. If the surrounding muscles are tight or inflamed, they can irritate or compress this nerve, leading to:

• Sharp facial pain

• Eye pain or pressure

• Migraine-like headaches that seem to radiate from the jaw or face

Postural Strain and Neck Tension

TMJD often leads to compensatory tension in the neck and shoulders. Prolonged clenching or grinding can misalign the neck and pull on the muscles at the base of the skull, triggering cervicogenic headaches. This is especially common in people who work at a desk, have forward head posture, or sleep in positions that strain the jaw.

The Role of Stress

Stress plays a significant role in both TMJD and headaches. When we are anxious or overwhelmed, we often clench our jaws without even realizing it. Over time, this leads to chronic muscle tightness that contributes to both jaw dysfunction and tension-type headaches. Sleep bruxism (clenching or grinding at night) is another stress-related habit that worsens TMJD and morning headaches.

How Massage Therapy Can Help

Massage therapy can be an incredibly effective approach to managing both TMJD and related headaches. A skilled massage therapist trained in TMJD work can help:

• Release tight muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders

• Address trigger points that refer pain to the head and face

• Improve blood flow to the affected area

• Reduce stress and calm the nervous system

• Support better jaw alignment and range of motion

Massage may also help decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches when jaw tension is a contributing factor.

At our studio, we offer specialized TMJD massage techniques that may include intraoral work (with gloves and client consent), myofascial release for the jaw and neck, and facial cupping or gua sha to gently release fascial tension. This type of massage can be especially beneficial for those who haven’t found lasting relief from traditional headache treatments.

Could TMJD Be the Cause of Your Headaches?

Here are a few signs that your headaches might be connected to TMJD:

• You wake up with jaw tension or headaches

• You notice clicking, popping, or locking in the jaw

• Your headaches are worse after chewing or talking

• You clench or grind your teeth during the day or night

• You have tenderness in your temples or under your cheekbones

• You’ve ruled out other causes but still experience chronic headaches

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to explore the jaw–headache connection more deeply.

Finding Relief

If you’re looking for a natural, non-invasive way to relieve headaches and improve your overall sense of balance, TMJD massage could be an important step. We specialize in working with clients who experience jaw tension, facial pain, and stress-related headaches—and we believe in a trauma-informed approach that creates a safe, supportive space for healing.

You don’t have to live with constant tension. Your body holds the wisdom to heal, and sometimes, the key is unlocking the places we hold the most—like the jaw.