Are My Headaches Migraines or TMJ? How Jaw Alignment May Be the Real Cause

A migraine is a neurological condition often associated with throbbing head pain, light sensitivity, nausea, and visual disturbances. Migraines typically originate from changes in brain chemistry and nerve signaling.

TMJ-related headaches, on the other hand, originate from dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint—the hinge connecting the jaw to the skull. When this joint is misaligned or overworked, it can irritate surrounding muscles and nerves, creating pain that radiates into the temples, forehead, ears, and neck. Many patients describe TMJ headaches as constant pressure or tension rather than pulsing pain.

At Koala® Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we frequently see patients who have been treated for migraines for years without improvement, only to find that their jaw alignment was the missing piece.

When the jaw does not rest in a stable, balanced position, the muscles responsible for chewing and facial movement must work harder than intended. Over time, this strain creates inflammation and muscle fatigue, which can compress nearby nerves.

Jaw misalignment may also:

● Shift pressure to the temples and base of the skull
● Trigger muscle spasms during sleep
● Worsen clenching and grinding (bruxism)
● Disrupt proper airway positioning, contributing to poor sleep quality

Poor jaw alignment often goes unnoticed because symptoms appear far from the jaw itself. Headaches, facial pain, ear pressure, and neck stiffness are all common signs evaluated at Koala® Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders.

Diagnosing the true source of headaches requires more than a symptom checklist. At Koala® Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders, our provider performs a comprehensive evaluation that looks beyond the head alone.

This assessment may include:

● A detailed review of headache patterns, triggers, and duration
● A physical examination of jaw movement, bite alignment, and muscle tension
● Digital imaging or advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate joint position
● Screening for teeth grinding, airway obstruction, or sleep-related disorders

Unlike traditional migraine evaluations, TMJ diagnostics focus on how the jaw functions during both waking hours and sleep. This holistic approach allows our team to rule out neurological causes while identifying structural or muscular contributors to pain.

Yes—and often more than patients realize. Stress commonly leads to unconscious jaw clenching, especially during sleep. Over time, this repetitive strain overloads the TMJ and surrounding muscles.

Patients at Koala® Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders are often surprised to learn that nighttime clenching can generate enough force to cause daily headaches, even if no jaw pain is felt during the day. Stress also worsens inflammation and reduces the body’s ability to recover, making headaches more frequent and intense.

By addressing both the mechanical alignment of the jaw and the behavioral factors involved, TMJ-related headaches can often be significantly reduced or eliminated.

At Koala® Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we specialize in identifying connections between jaw health, sleep quality, and chronic head pain. Our specialist takes a personalized approach, recognizing that no two headache cases are identical.

Your consultation focuses on:

● Understanding your full health and headache history
● Identifying jaw dysfunction that may have been overlooked
● Determining whether TMJ therapy, oral appliances, or sleep evaluation is appropriate

If your headaches are linked to jaw misalignment, treatment may involve custom oral appliances designed to stabilize the jaw, relax muscles, and reduce nerve compression. Many patients experience improvement not only in headache frequency but also in sleep quality, energy levels, and overall comfort.

What sets Koala® Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders apart is our integrated approach. We don’t treat headaches in isolation—we evaluate how jaw alignment, airway health, and sleep patterns interact. This comprehensive model allows us to uncover causes that traditional migraine treatments often miss.

Our goal is not temporary relief, but long-term resolution. For patients who have struggled with unexplained or treatment-resistant headaches, TMJ evaluation can be a turning point.

– Can TMJ headaches feel like migraines?
Yes, TMJ headaches often mimic migraines and are commonly misdiagnosed.

– Do I need imaging to diagnose TMJ-related headaches?
In many cases, advanced imaging helps confirm jaw misalignment and joint dysfunction.

– Can TMJ treatment improve sleep as well as headaches?
Yes, correcting jaw alignment often improves sleep quality and reduces nighttime clenching.