How TMJ Treatment Can Help Relieve Headaches and Migraines

If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. What you may not realize is that your jaw could be the underlying cause of your pain. Many people who experience frequent headaches have an underlying temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

At TMJ and Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders to help relieve headaches, migraines, jaw pain, and facial tension. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between TMJ and headaches, as well as how TMJ treatment can provide long-term relief.

What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to chew, speak, yawn, and move your jaw. TMJ disorder, or TMD, occurs when there is dysfunction in the joint, often leading to pain and discomfort.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Chronic headaches or migraines
Jaw pain or stiffness
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
Facial pain, especially around the temples and ears
Neck and shoulder tension
Difficulty chewing or locking of the jaw

Many patients with TMJ disorder mistake their symptoms for sinus headaches, migraines, or tension headaches, when in reality, their jaw is the root cause of their discomfort.

How TMJ Causes Headaches and Migraines

The muscles and nerves around the TMJ are closely connected to the head, neck, and shoulders. When the jaw is misaligned or under stress, it creates tension that radiates to these areas, leading to headaches, migraines, and facial pain.

Key Ways TMJ Contributes to Headaches:

Muscle Tension – TMJ issues strain the muscles in your face, jaw, and neck, leading to tension headaches.
Nerve Irritation – The trigeminal nerve, which controls jaw movement, is also responsible for sensory functions in the head. TMJ dysfunction can trigger nerve pain and migraines.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Many TMJ patients grind or clench their teeth at night, causing jaw tightness and morning headaches.
Poor Jaw Alignment – A misaligned bite puts strain on the TMJ, leading to chronic pain that often manifests as headaches.

If you experience frequent morning headaches, temple pain, or tension in your jaw, TMJ disorder could be the cause. The good news is that TMJ treatment can provide lasting relief.

How TMJ Treatment Can Relieve Headaches and Migraines

At TMJ and Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans, we offer non-invasive, effective TMJ treatments designed to reduce jaw strain, muscle tension, and nerve irritation—all of which contribute to headaches and migraines.

1. Custom Oral Appliances (TMJ Splints & Nightguards)

A custom-made oral appliance can realign your jaw, prevent teeth grinding, and reduce muscle strain, significantly improving headache symptoms.

How It Works:

Worn at night to prevent jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
Repositions the jaw to relieve tension on muscles and nerves.
Promotes proper jaw alignment to reduce strain on the TMJ.

Many patients experience reduced headache frequency and severity within weeks of using a custom oral appliance.

2. Bite Correction & Orthodontic Therapy

A misaligned bite (malocclusion) is a common cause of TMJ-related headaches. We offer bite correction treatments, such as:

Orthodontic treatments (Invisalign, braces) to realign the jaw.
Dental restorations to correct bite imbalances.

Proper jaw alignment reduces muscle tension and nerve compression, alleviating chronic headaches and migraine episodes.

3. Botox for TMJ Pain & Headaches

Botox injections have been clinically proven to reduce TMJ-related migraines and headaches.

How Botox Helps:

Relaxes overactive jaw muscles.
Reduces pain by blocking nerve signals.
Prevents chronic tension headaches and migraines.

Botox is a non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment that provides relief for patients with severe TMJ pain.

4. Physical Therapy & TMJ Exercises

Strengthening and relaxing the jaw and neck muscles can help prevent tension headaches.

Jaw-stretching exercises improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
Massage therapy relaxes the muscles responsible for TMJ pain.
Posture correction helps alleviate tension in the neck and shoulders.

We work with specialists to develop a personalized TMJ therapy plan tailored to your needs.

5. Lifestyle Modifications for TMJ & Headache Relief

In addition to professional treatment, small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce TMJ-related headaches:

Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods – Reduce jaw strain by eating soft foods.
Practice Stress Management – Stress can cause jaw clenching, worsening TMJ pain. Try meditation or yoga.
Sleep on Your Back – Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your jaw.

By making these simple adjustments, you can experience lasting relief from TMJ headaches.

Why Choose TMJ and Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans?

At TMJ and Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans, we specialize in non-invasive TMJ treatments that address the root cause of headaches and migraines. Our team, led by Dr. Delaune, uses advanced diagnostic tools to create personalized treatment plans for lasting relief.

Expert TMJ & headache treatment in New Orleans
Non-surgical, holistic approach
Custom oral appliances for TMJ relief
Advanced therapy options, including Botox
Personalized care tailored to your needs

If you struggle with chronic headaches or migraines, let us help! Don’t suffer in silence—relief is possible.

Take the First Step Toward Headache & Migraine Relief

You don’t have to live with constant headaches and migraines. TMJ treatment can provide lasting relief and help restore your quality of life.

Call TMJ and Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans today to schedule your TMJ evaluation and start your journey to pain-free living!