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Headaches Related to the Jaw and Neck
Specialist Physiotherapy for Headaches, Jaw Pain and Neck Pain
Many persistent headaches do not originate from the brain itself.
Problems affecting the jaw joints, chewing muscles and neck can all contribute to recurring headaches, facial pain and temple pain.
At Midlands Jaw Physiotherapy, we specialise in identifying whether your headaches may be linked to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), neck dysfunction or muscle overactivity, helping you understand the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.
Do these symptoms sound familiar?
You may notice:
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Pain around the temples
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Headaches that worsen during chewing
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Headaches first thing in the morning
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Neck pain alongside headaches
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Pain behind the eyes
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Facial pain
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Jaw clicking
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Teeth grinding
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Jaw stiffness
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Ear pain or pressure
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Pain when yawning
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Tender jaw muscles
If several of these symptoms sound familiar, your headaches may be related to your jaw or neck rather than occurring in isolation.
What Causes Headaches?
Not all headaches have the same cause.
Although migraines and neurological headaches are well recognised, many headaches originate from the muscles and joints of the head and neck.
Several structures may contribute.
Jaw Muscles
The masseter and temporalis muscles generate large forces during chewing.
When overworked through clenching or teeth grinding, these muscles can refer pain into:
• temples
• forehead
• around the eyes
• side of the face
The Jaw Joint (TMJ)
Inflammation or dysfunction within the temporomandibular joint may contribute to headaches, particularly when accompanied by clicking, locking or pain while eating.
Neck Muscles
The upper neck shares nerve pathways with the jaw.
Problems affecting the cervical spine can produce headaches around:
• back of the head
• temples
• behind the eyes
This is known as a cervicogenic headache.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Overnight clenching places prolonged strain on the jaw muscles.
Many patients wake with:
• headaches
• jaw pain
• facial fatigue
Types of Headache
Can Physiotherapy Help with Headaches?
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause of your headaches.
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🤲 Treatment of the jaw muscles
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💆 Treatment of the neck
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🦷 Reducing excessive clenching
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🔄 Restoring normal jaw movement
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🏃 Improving posture and movement patterns
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📚 Education and self-management
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💉 Medical botulinum toxin where clinically appropriate
Myths About Headaches
Myth: All headaches originate in the brain.
Fact: Many headaches originate from muscles and joints in the neck and jaw.
Myth: If my MRI is normal, nothing can be done.
Fact: Musculoskeletal headaches often occur despite normal scans.
Myth: Painkillers are the only treatment.
Fact: Many headaches improve when the underlying cause is addressed.
Myth: Jaw pain and headaches are unrelated.
Fact: They frequently occur together.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches
Related Symptoms
It is rare for only one symptom to occur with TMD. Jaw clicking is often just a component of the overall condition.
Explore our other specialist resources:
Let's Work Together
If jaw clenching or teeth grinding is affecting your daily life, we're here to help.
At Midlands Jaw Physiotherapy, we provide specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for jaw disorders, helping you understand the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan.
✅ 60-minute specialist assessment
✅ No GP referral needed
✅ Individual treatment plan
Why choose Midlands Jaw Physiotherapy?
✅ Exclusive focus on jaw, facial and neck conditions
✅ Independent Prescriber
✅ Medical Botulinum Toxin when appropriate
✅ HCPC & CSP Registered
✅ Evidence-based treatment
✅ Personalised rehabilitation programmes