Pain in your temple or jaw that spreads across your head can be more than just a tension headache — it may be a sign of a deeper issue involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ connects your jaw to your skull, and when it becomes strained or misaligned, it can trigger symptoms that resemble — or directly cause — migraine-like pain. For many patients, these episodes are severe, recurring, and debilitating.
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a leading TMJ specialist in New York City, explains how TMJ dysfunction can lead to migraine-like pain in the temples and jaw, what causes it, and most importantly, how effective TMJ treatment can help restore comfort and quality of life.
What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge-like structure located just in front of your ears, connecting your lower jaw (mandible) to your temporal bone — the side of your skull. This joint allows you to talk, chew, yawn, and make countless other facial movements. Because it’s one of the most frequently used joints in your body, even a minor dysfunction can create major discomfort.
When the TMJ doesn’t move properly or becomes inflamed, it’s known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This condition can affect not only the jaw but also nearby muscles, nerves, and connective tissues — often radiating pain into the temples, ears, and head.
How TMJ Pain Triggers Migraines
Patients with TMJ pain often describe headaches centered around the temples or behind the eyes — the same regions typically associated with migraines. However, in TMJ-related cases, the root cause lies in the joint and surrounding muscles.
The muscles that control jaw movement are closely connected to those in your head and neck. When the jaw joint becomes overworked or misaligned, the strain can irritate the trigeminal nerve — one of the primary nerves responsible for facial sensation and motor control. This nerve also plays a major role in migraines.
In short, TMJ dysfunction can stimulate the trigeminal nerve, sending pain signals that the brain interprets as a migraine. The result is temple and jaw pain that mimics, worsens, or even triggers true migraine episodes.
Common Symptoms of TMJ-Related Migraines
It’s not always easy to distinguish between a traditional migraine and one caused by TMJ dysfunction. However, TMJ-related pain tends to come with a specific set of symptoms, including:
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Pain in the temples and jaw — especially when chewing or speaking
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Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
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Facial soreness or tightness along the cheeks and temples
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Limited jaw movement or a “locking” sensation
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Ear fullness or ringing (tinnitus)
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Pain radiating to the neck and shoulders
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Headaches that worsen with jaw movement or stress
Many patients find that the pain starts near the temples or in front of the ears and gradually spreads — a hallmark sign of TMJ-related migraine pain.
Why TMJ and Migraines Are Often Misdiagnosed
Because the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction overlap with those of migraines, sinus infections, or even dental problems, many patients go years without realizing their headaches are jaw-related. It’s not uncommon for people to visit multiple specialists — neurologists, dentists, and ENT doctors — before receiving a proper TMJ diagnosis.
Dr. Bakhtiari emphasizes that an experienced TMJ specialist can identify subtle signs of joint dysfunction that general practitioners may overlook. A detailed evaluation of jaw movement, bite alignment, and muscle tension often reveals the underlying cause of chronic head and facial pain.
The Anatomy Behind TMJ Migraine Pain
Understanding how TMJ dysfunction leads to temple and jaw pain starts with anatomy. The TMJ sits right beside the ear canal and shares several nerve pathways with the structures that control facial sensation.
When this joint is misaligned or inflamed, the following occurs:
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Muscle Strain – Overuse or tension in the jaw muscles (masseter and temporalis) creates tightness that radiates to the temples.
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Nerve Irritation – The trigeminal nerve becomes overstimulated, sending pain signals that mimic migraines.
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Vascular Response – Similar to classic migraines, TMJ inflammation can lead to changes in blood vessel dilation, worsening the pain.
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Postural Imbalance – Chronic clenching or misalignment can strain the neck and shoulder muscles, further contributing to head pressure and pain.
This complex interaction between muscles, nerves, and vascular structures explains why TMJ pain can feel identical to — or trigger — migraines.
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ disorders can develop for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
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Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
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Jaw misalignment or malocclusion
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Stress and muscle tension
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Arthritis or joint inflammation
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Injury or trauma to the jaw or face
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Excessive gum chewing or nail biting
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Poor posture, especially forward head posture
Over time, these factors can wear down the joint, strain the muscles, and create a chronic pain cycle that manifests as headaches or migraines.
Stress: A Hidden Contributor to TMJ Pain
Stress is one of the most underestimated causes of TMJ-related migraines. When you’re stressed, your body naturally tenses — and the jaw is one of the first muscles to tighten. People often clench their teeth subconsciously, especially during sleep or periods of concentration.
This constant pressure on the jaw joint leads to inflammation and irritation of surrounding muscles, triggering pain that radiates to the temples. For patients who experience chronic stress, this cycle can repeat daily, resulting in long-term TMJ pain and frequent migraine episodes.
Diagnosing TMJ-Related Migraine Pain
An accurate diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation from an experienced TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari. Diagnosis typically includes:
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Physical examination: Assessing jaw movement, clicking, and tenderness
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Bite analysis: Checking for malocclusion or uneven bite patterns
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Imaging studies: Using X-rays, MRI, or CBCT scans to visualize the joint
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Muscle palpation: Identifying areas of tension or trigger points
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Medical history review: Considering stress, posture, and lifestyle factors
By combining these diagnostic methods, Dr. Bakhtiari can pinpoint the exact source of discomfort — whether it stems from the joint, muscles, or a combination of both.
How TMJ Treatment Helps Relieve Migraine Pain
The key to lasting relief from temple and jaw pain is addressing the root cause: TMJ dysfunction. At his Manhattan practice, Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari offers a range of evidence-based TMJ treatments tailored to each patient’s condition.
Common treatment approaches include:
1. Oral Appliance Therapy
Custom-made nightguards or splints reduce clenching and grinding, realign the jaw, and alleviate pressure on the TMJ. These devices can dramatically reduce headaches and facial tension.
2. Physical Therapy and Jaw Exercises
Gentle stretching, posture correction, and muscle retraining help improve jaw function and reduce inflammation. Physical therapy is especially effective for patients with muscle-related pain.
3. Trigger Point Injections
For severe muscle tension or chronic pain, trigger point or Botox injections can relax overactive muscles, preventing strain on the joint and relieving referred headache pain.
4. Behavioral and Stress Management
Since stress is a major contributor, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and biofeedback can reduce clenching habits and muscle tension.
5. Comprehensive Bite Correction
In cases where jaw misalignment is the root cause, Dr. Bakhtiari may recommend bite adjustment, orthodontics, or restorative dental work to ensure even pressure across the teeth and joints.
These personalized treatments aim to restore proper jaw function, reduce inflammation, and eliminate the triggers behind TMJ-related migraine pain.
Home Remedies to Ease TMJ Migraine Pain
While professional care is essential for long-term results, several self-care techniques can help manage symptoms at home:
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Apply warm compresses to relax jaw muscles and improve circulation.
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Avoid hard or chewy foods that strain the joint.
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Practice gentle jaw exercises to improve flexibility.
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Use good posture to prevent muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
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Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can increase tension and dehydration.
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Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
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Get adequate sleep to reduce overall muscle fatigue and inflammation.
These strategies, when combined with professional TMJ treatment, can significantly minimize temple and jaw pain.
The Link Between TMJ and Neck Pain
Many patients experiencing TMJ-related migraines also report neck stiffness or shoulder pain. This is because the muscles controlling jaw movement are connected to those in the neck and upper back. When one area is under stress, the others often compensate — creating a ripple effect of tension and pain.
By correcting the underlying TMJ dysfunction, neck alignment and muscle relaxation often improve simultaneously, reducing both headaches and upper-body discomfort.
When to See a TMJ Specialist
You should consult a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari if you experience any of the following:
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Persistent temple or jaw pain
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Jaw clicking or popping sounds
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Stiffness or pain upon waking
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Ear ringing, fullness, or pressure
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Facial soreness that won’t resolve with pain medication
Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of chronic migraines, joint damage, and muscle strain.
Long-Term Outlook for TMJ Migraine Patients
With proper TMJ treatment, most patients experience substantial relief from both jaw discomfort and migraine symptoms. Many find that their headaches become less frequent, less intense, or disappear completely once the joint is stabilized and muscle tension is reduced.
By addressing the cause rather than just the symptoms, patients can regain control over their comfort, sleep, and daily activities — without relying solely on pain medications or temporary fixes.
Why Choose Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari for TMJ Treatment in New York City
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a highly regarded TMJ specialist based in Manhattan, known for his advanced diagnostic methods and compassionate, patient-focused approach. His extensive experience in orofacial pain, dental medicine, and bite rehabilitation allows him to design customized treatment plans that address both functional and aesthetic concerns.
At his state-of-the-art New York practice, Dr. Bakhtiari combines cutting-edge imaging, personalized therapy, and minimally invasive procedures to provide comprehensive TMJ treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain, headaches, and jaw disorders.
Whether you’re struggling with recurring migraines, temple pain, or jaw stiffness, Dr. Bakhtiari’s integrative approach ensures long-lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Conclusion
TMJ-related migraines are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leaving patients to suffer from ongoing temple and jaw pain without finding the root cause. The connection between the jaw joint, facial muscles, and trigeminal nerve means that even small joint imbalances can lead to severe, migraine-like symptoms.
If you’re experiencing chronic temple pain, tension headaches, or jaw discomfort, it’s time to explore TMJ treatment options. Under the expert care of Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, patients in New York City can achieve lasting relief from TMJ pain and rediscover the comfort of a balanced, pain-free jaw.
About Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a board-certified TMJ and Oral Facial Pain specialist. He focuses his practice on TMJ disorders, oral pain, facial pain and associated headaches. He treats patients in New York City. His practice is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan three blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
- Treasurer and Committee Chair, NYU Dentistry Alumni Association
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Chair of Membership Committee, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Dr. Nojan shares his in-depth knowledge of the TMJ, oral and facial pain as Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He taught for 5 years at Yale-New Haven Hospital as a clinical attending and course director. He is one of very few diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
As an expert in the field, he has been invited to lecture at New York University, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York State Dental Association, Woodhull Hospital, Lincoln Medical Center, and numerous dental societies and conferences (including Greenwich and Stamford Dental Societies, New Haven Dental Association, Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, New England Dental Society Annual Meeting).
What are treatment options offered by Dr. Nojan?
Dr. Nojan offers the best and advanced treatment options available for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and headaches. Treatments offered by Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari are personalized to you when looking to know more about inflammation of the jaw, and may include:
- Oral appliance therapy (custom mouthguards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections
- Trigger point injections for muscle pain
- Nerve blocks
- Steroid injections for TMJ joint and tendons
- Botox for TMJ, nerve pain, jaw pain and headaches
- Therapeutic ointments and medication for oral, facial and TMJ pain
Overview of Treatments for TMJ, Facial Pain and Oral Pain
Dr. Nojan offers the most advanced and evidence-based treatment options for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and related headaches.
“Don’t leave TMJ and orofacial pain treatments to guesswork.”
Treatments will always be personalized to you, your condition and your treatment approach preferences. We understand that some patients do not like taking medications, while others are afraid of needles, or have life-styles that prevent them from wearing a bite guard. Learn more about what happens at your first visit with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP. For that reasons, we offer the full range of treatment options and learning about inflammation of the jaw while also including:
- Oral appliance therapy(comfortable and custom bite guards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections(such as trigger point muscle injections, nerve blocks, and botox®), PRP
- Steroid injections jaw joint (TMJ) and associated tendons
- Compounded Topical Pain Medications and mouth rinses
- Jaw stretching exercises and physical therapy modalities
TMJ Treatment options vary depending on the individual suffering from TMJ and the specifics of their condition. Since TMJ/TMD can affect the musculature, tendons, bones and joint of the jaw, a thorough examination and diagnosis is paramount prior to initiating any treatment. Treatments include therapeutic injections of muscles and the joints, custom fabricated orthotics (also called splints, mouth guards, nightguards or occlusal guards), medications, creams, botox©, jaw stretching exercises, and physical therapy.
TMJ therapies should never include grinding down of otherwise healthy teeth. It is ill-advised to suggest to a patient that grinding of their otherwise healthy natural teeth is related to the TMJ pain they are perceiving. This treatment philosophy of “correcting the bite”, by either grinding down teeth (occlusal adjustments), restoring teeth with crowns, or moving teeth with braces or invisalign©, has been debunked in the dental and scientific literature.
What to expect at your first visit to our office
At your first visit to our office, Dr. Bakhtiari and his team will thoroughly examine your jaw, face, TMJ, bite and mouth. He will determine the source and cause of your discomfort, and devise a customized treatment solution that will work for you to help with inflammation of the jaw.
The initial consultation includes:
- Review of your medical history
- Detailed evaluation of your pain, discomfort and/or other symptoms
- Cranial nerve screening
- Muscle palpation of the muscles of your jaw, head and neck
- TMJ evaluation: evaluating the health of your jaw joints including their range of motion, tenderness and any clicking/popping sounds
- Additional imaging if necessary: X-rays, panoramic, CT scans, MRIs
- Additional testing as needed: diagnostic topical anesthetics, muscle and nerve blocks, blood tests