If you suffer from chronic headaches or neck pain, you may have tried everything—pain relievers, massage, chiropractic care—without lasting relief. What many people don't consider is that the source could be their jaw. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control it are closely connected to the head and neck. When the jaw is strained, misaligned, or inflamed, the pain can radiate. Here's how TMJ disorder can lead to headaches and neck pain—and what can be done about it.
The Jaw-Head-Neck Connection
The TMJ and the muscles that move your jaw don't exist in isolation. They're part of a larger system that includes:
- Muscles of mastication — The muscles that close and move the jaw attach to the skull and can refer pain to the temples, forehead, and behind the eyes
- Neck muscles — The jaw and neck share muscle connections. Tension in the jaw often leads to tension in the neck—and vice versa
- Nerves — The trigeminal nerve, which serves the face and jaw, is one of the largest nerves in the head. TMJ issues can trigger pain along its distribution
When you clench, grind, or have a misaligned bite, the muscles and joint are under stress. That stress can manifest as headaches, facial pain, ear pain, and neck and shoulder tension.
Types of Headaches Linked to TMJ
- Tension-type headaches — Often felt as a band around the head or pressure at the temples. Very common with TMJ disorder
- Migraines — TMJ can trigger or worsen migraines in some people
- Temporal headaches — Pain at the temples, often from muscle tension in the jaw
Why Neck Pain Occurs
The muscles that support your head and move your jaw are interconnected with neck muscles. When you clench or have poor jaw posture, the neck muscles compensate—working overtime to stabilize your head. This can lead to chronic neck stiffness, pain, and even shoulder tension. Many people with TMJ disorder report that their neck feels tight or sore, especially in the morning after a night of grinding.
How Treating TMJ Can Help
Addressing the jaw can reduce pain elsewhere:
- Night guard — Reduces grinding and clenching, allowing muscles to relax. Many patients report fewer headaches and less neck tension
- Bite adjustment — Correcting the bite can reduce strain on the joint and muscles
- Physical therapy — Stretching and exercises for the jaw and neck can relieve tension
- Stress management — Since stress contributes to clenching, relaxation techniques can help
When to Consider TMJ as a Cause
If you have:
- Chronic headaches, especially at the temples or upon waking
- Neck pain that doesn't respond to typical treatments
- Jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness
- A history of teeth grinding or clenching
—it's worth having your jaw evaluated. Your dentist can assess TMJ function and recommend treatment. You may find that relieving the jaw relieves the head and neck too.
The Bottom Line
TMJ disorder and headaches/neck pain are often connected. Treating the jaw can be the key to relieving pain that seemed to come from elsewhere. If you've been struggling with chronic head or neck pain, don't overlook your jaw. An evaluation could be the first step toward lasting relief.