The TMJ connects your head and the side of your jaw.

The pain from TMD disorders often contributes to headaches, including migraines, and can trigger them.

There are three classifications for TMD disorders, with one classification dedicated entirely to headaches associated with TMD.

Woman with TMJ pain grinding her teeth at night

Hope Connolly / Getty Images

There are three classifications of TMD disorders.

They may make it hard to speak or eat.

Sometimes, one can trigger the other or make the pain worse.

Migraines are often associated withother symptoms, such as auras.

It might also get worse when you give a shot to chew or talk.

These fan-shaped muscles run along the temples.

The trigger points for the pain are easily identified around this area.

How Common Is TMJ?

Around 11 to 12 million people in the U.S. experience TMJ pain.

TMJ disorders are twice as common in women as in men.

Talk to your primary healthcare provider (PCP) or dentist about a referral for TMJ symptoms and/or migraines.

Here are some of the specialists who might be able to help you with TMJ headaches.

Physical Therapist

To treat TMJ disorder, aphysical therapistwill begin with an assessment.

Frankincense oil may reduce inflammation, while lavender oil may help with muscle tension.

Discuss their use with your dentist or healthcare provider.

There is limited evidence for the overall effectiveness of essential oils, but they may provide temporary pain relief.

This may help to relieve some pain.

These devices fit over your teeth and are thought to help reduce teeth grinding and clenching.

However, there isn’t great evidence that these tools are useful.

Surgical Interventions

There are several surgical interventions for TMD disorders.

However, there are little data to back up invasive procedures.

Additionally, many procedures could worsen the issue instead of fixing it.

They can also trigger migraine headaches and chronic facial pain.

At-home treatments for TMJ headaches can include over-the-counter medications, behavioral changes, and stress management techniques.

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American Physical Therapy Association.Physical therapy guide to temporomandibular joint disorder.

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American Migraine Foundation.Botox for migraine.