{"id":325,"date":"2020-10-16T15:49:35","date_gmt":"2020-10-16T15:49:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leesburgdowntowndental.com\/blog\/?p=325"},"modified":"2026-04-05T01:14:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T01:14:36","slug":"relationship-between-migraines-and-tmj-leesburg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leesburgdowntowndental.com\/blog\/relationship-between-migraines-and-tmj-leesburg\/","title":{"rendered":"Is TMD to Blame for My Migraines?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Blond<\/a><\/figure><\/div>

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a condition that adversely affects the TMJ, the joint that connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. Headaches and migraines might at first seem to be completely unrelated to the jaw and its function. However, scientific research indicates otherwise. Let’s take a look at the connection between migraines and TMJ and Leesburg and how TMD treatment might be able to help you find relief from both conditions.<\/p>

TMD, Headaches, and Migraines<\/h2>

The link between regular headaches and TMD is often fairly straightforward. As muscle strain from TMD affects other areas of the face and neck, tension headaches may occur. However, migraines are quite different from regular headaches, and only recently have scientists sought to learn more about how they may be connected to disorders of the jaw joint.<\/p>

Research from the from the University of São Paulo in Brazil<\/a> has unveiled that chronic migraine sufferers (those who experience migraine attacks on more than 15 days per month) are three times more likely than the general population to report severe TMD symptoms. People who experience episodic migraines (fewer than 15 days each month) were also more likely than the general population to experience TMD symptoms.<\/p>

However, this correlation between TMD and migraines does not necessarily mean that TMD is responsible for the migraines. The researchers postulate that TMD may act as a trigger for migraines, increasing their frequency and severity. Because TMD and migraines are both complex conditions, further study is necessary before scientists can claim to fully understand the connection between them.<\/p>

Can TMD Treatment Help?<\/h2>

If you suffer from migraines, you should certainly speak to your doctor about your symptoms. However, you should also pay attention to your TMJ health. You may have TMD if you frequently experience any of the following:<\/p>