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Migraine & Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is an unusual symptom of migraines, but it can happen. According to Migraines For Dummies (Diane Stafford & Jennifer Shoquist, MD; 2003), the combination is common in temporomandibular joint syndrome, or TMJ.
    • Clenching teeth can cause TMJ

    Identification

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, other TMJ symptoms besides migraines include pain in the front of the face or around the ears, uneven bite and problems eating because of jaw pain.

    Causes

    • According to The TMJ Association, TMJ can be caused by injury, by arthritis or by clenching or grinding one's teeth. Sometimes you may not have any of these, but you still can have TMJ.

    Diagnosis

    • Treatment depends on the cause. The TMJ Association notes that often you must see a doctor and a dentist to get a diagnosis.

    Self-Help

    • Over-the-counter painkillers can often help. So can eating soft foods, using a cold compress on the jaw and avoiding chewing gum. These are no substitution for seeing a doctor and dentist, however.

    Prevention

    • The Migraine Trust recommends wearing dental implants to keep from clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth.

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