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Headaches, TMJ, and the Spine: The Hidden Connection

person with headache painWe all experience headaches now and then. Most of the time, we blame stress, dehydration, or too much screen time—but what if there’s something deeper going on?

Surprisingly, your jaw (TMJ) and spine may be playing a much bigger role in your headaches than you think. At our physiotherapy clinic, we specialize in uncovering and treating the root causes of recurring headaches—including those linked to TMJ dysfunction and spinal misalignment.

What is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)?

The TMJ is the small but powerful joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, located just in front of your ears. It helps you talk, chew, and yawn—but like any joint, it can become misaligned or overused, leading to TMJ disorders.

What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ problems can be triggered by:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching—often due to stress or anxiety
  • Excessive gum chewing
  • Motor vehicle accidents or jaw injuries (fractures, dislocations)
  • Arthritis or joint degeneration
  • Poor posture, especially forward head posture from prolonged computer or phone use

Over time, these issues can strain the jaw and surrounding muscles, disrupting the delicate balance between your jaw, neck, and spine.

How Does TMJ Contribute to Headaches?

When your TMJ is misaligned, it affects the surrounding muscles and nerves that extend through your head, face, and neck. This can trigger tension-type headaches, often felt in the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes. These headaches are frequently misdiagnosed or misunderstood—especially when the jaw is not properly evaluated.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

At our clinic, we offer comprehensive TMJ assessments and treatments that target the root of your discomfort. Our physiotherapists are trained to:

  • Relieve muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
  • Restore proper joint alignment and movement
  • Improve posture and ergonomics
  • Teach you stress management and relaxation techniques to reduce jaw clenching

We tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs, helping you not only find relief from headaches but also improve jaw function and spinal health long term.

Find Long-Term Relief—Naturally

If you’ve been living with recurring headaches and suspect TMJ or posture could be involved, let us help. Our experienced team is here to guide you through recovery with a personalized, hands-on approach.
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