Can Jaw Pain Cause Headaches?
Headaches are among the most common complaints treated in general practice and allied health. When they occur alongside jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness, it’s worth investigating if the two are linked. At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we regularly see patients with undiagnosed jaw dysfunction contributing to persistent or recurring headaches.
According to theOral Health Foundation, jaw problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can contribute to certain types of headaches, particularly when the joint is under strain or not functioning optimally. This connection is also recognised in physiotherapy approaches that examine craniofacial and cervical biomechanics (structures of the skull, face, and spine).
So, can jaw pain cause headaches? In this blog, we will explore how jaw dysfunction, particularly involving the TMJ and upper cervical spine, may contribute to recurrent or persistent headaches and what physiotherapy can do to help.
Understanding the Connection Between Jaw Pain and Headaches
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, and when it’s not functioning properly, it can create a chain reaction of pain and dysfunction. This joint sits very close to important facial and cranial nerves, including those involved in pain sensation. When it becomes inflamed or irritated, referred pain may radiate toward the temples, forehead, or base of the skull, presenting as a headache.
TMJ dysfunction can be caused by:
- Bruxism (grinding or clenching your teeth)
- Jaw misalignment or malocclusion
- Trauma to the jaw or neck
- Postural issues affecting head and neck positioning
- Chronic stress or tension
Over time, these issues can sensitise the surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to what’s known as cervicogenic or myofascial headaches. These are headaches that originate from the neck and muscle pain or tenderness in the surrounding area, respectively.
How Physiotherapy Approaches Jaw-Related Headaches
While many people turn to painkillers or dental interventions, our approach at Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic is different. We focus on natural, drug-free techniques that assess and treat the underlying mechanical faults contributing to jaw and headache pain.
Our physiotherapists conduct a comprehensive assessment of the upper cervical spine, jaw joint, and surrounding soft tissues. We then develop a tailored treatment plan that may include:
- Gentle manual therapy targeting the upper neck and jaw
- Releasing muscle tension through sustained pressure techniques
- Postural retraining to correct biomechanical strain
- Education and exercises to help minimise jaw clenching or teeth grinding
In many cases, correcting dysfunction in the top of the neck or jaw can reduce irritation of the nerves that trigger headaches. For patients experiencing both jaw pain and recurring headaches, this approach often brings measurable improvement within 4 to 5 sessions.
Symptoms That May Suggest a Jaw-Headache Link
Does jaw pain cause headaches, or is it just a coincidence when they occur together? You may benefit from targeted treatment if you experience:
- Headaches that start after chewing, yawning, or jaw movement
- Pain around the temples, behind the eyes, or in the jaw itself
- Clicking, locking, or grinding sensations in the jaw
- Facial pain or pressure that radiates to the head
- Stiffness or discomfort in the neck and shoulders
How to Help Jaw Pain and Related Headaches
If you suspect your headaches are connected to jaw issues, here are some things to consider:
- Avoid chewing gum or hard foods that put extra strain on the joint
- Apply heat or cold packs to the jaw muscles to reduce inflammation
- Monitor your posture, especially if you spend long hours at a desk
- Seek a clinical assessment with a qualified physiotherapist experienced in jaw pain treatment
At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we specialise in identifying and treating the true source of pain, rather than masking symptoms. We use the Watson Headache® Approach and other evidence-based techniques to assess the role of the neck and jaw in chronic pain patterns.
Why a Neck Assessment Matters
Many patients don’t realise that jaw issues rarely exist in isolation. The neck, particularly the upper cervical spine, shares muscular and neurological pathways with the temporomandibular region. Dysfunction or stiffness in this area can contribute to muscle overcompensation, poor posture, and increased load on the jaw. That’s why a thorough neck assessment is a core part of our process. By addressing contributing factors in the jaw and the neck, we aim to reduce brainstem sensitisation and restore natural movement patterns, providing more consistent and lasting relief from headaches.
Book an Appointment for Jaw Pain Treatment
Don’t let jaw pain and headaches control your day. Our Bangalow-based team is here to help you uncover the cause and find lasting relief. Book a consultation today and learn how our natural, drug-free treatments can support your recovery.
To learn more about how to help alleviate joint pain or our approach to treating jaw-related headaches, visit our clinic page on jaw pain treatment or get in touch for an obligation-free phone consultation.
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Michael Hayward is a physiotherapist with 28 years experience. With 24 years in private practice working in musculoskeletal injuries covering the whole body and special interest in sports injury and headaches, Michael developed a keen interest in new and proven techniques for treating headaches, migraines, jaw pain & dizziness .
