TMJ and Migraines
If your migraines seem linked to jaw tension—worsening after a late-night stretch or a big bite—you’re not imagining things. The TMJ and the trigeminal nerve share intimate connections, meaning jaw dysfunction can literally radiate pain into your head. Treating the joint often unlocks significant migraine relief—let’s explore why and how.
- Shared wiring: Branches of the trigeminal nerve serve both jaw joints and intracranial blood vessels—so irritated muscles can spark headaches.
- Muscle referral: Tight masseter or temporalis fibers can send pain signals upward, mimicking classic migraine patterns.
- Inflammatory cascade: Joint inflammation releases neuropeptides that heighten migraine susceptibility.
