Headaches & TMJ Dysfunction

Headaches and jaw pain are commonly treated as isolated problems — by neurology, dentistry, or pain management — yet many cases are driven by mechanical and neuromuscular factors involving the neck, jaw, upper back, and nervous system.

At Osteopractic Physical Therapy of the Carolinas, we work with patients in Fort Mill, Charlotte, and throughout the Carolinas who experience headaches, jaw pain, clicking, clenching, or facial tension that has not fully responded to traditional care. These symptoms are often misunderstood, especially when imaging is normal or inconclusive.

Our approach focuses on identifying why symptoms persist and addressing the movement and muscular drivers that are commonly overlooked.

What Do Headaches and TMJ Dysfunction Commonly Feel Like?

Headache- and jaw-related issues do not always feel the same from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches that start at the base of the skull or behind the eyes

• Tension-type or cervicogenic headaches

• Jaw pain, clicking, or popping

• Facial or temple tightness

• Pain with chewing, talking, or yawning

• Neck stiffness associated with headaches

• Symptoms that worsen with stress or prolonged posture

Many patients experience both headaches and jaw symptoms together, even when they seem unrelated at first.

Why Do I Have Headaches or TMJ Pain If My Imaging Is Normal?

This is one of the most common frustrations patients report.

MRI, CT, and X-rays are excellent at identifying serious pathology, but they do not assess:

• Joint motion

• Muscle tone and coordination

• Movement efficiency

• Nervous system sensitivity

• How the neck and jaw work together

Many headache and TMJ presentations are driven by:

• Upper cervical joint restriction

• Jaw joint (TMJ) movement dysfunction

• Muscle overactivity (jaw, neck, suboccipitals, SCM, temporalis)

• Poor coordination between the jaw and cervical spine

• Stress-related increases in muscle tone

None of these reliably appear on imaging — but all can significantly affect symptoms.

The Connection Between the Neck, Jaw, and Headaches

The jaw and upper cervical spine share:

• Muscular connections

• Neural pathways

• Movement dependencies

Restriction or dysfunction in one area often increases strain in the others. This is why treating the jaw alone — or the neck alone — often produces incomplete results.

At OPTC, headaches and TMJ dysfunction are evaluated as a combined system, not isolated regions.

Is TMJ Dysfunction a Dental Problem or a Physical Therapy Problem?

TMJ dysfunction can have multiple contributing factors.

While dental care is important for bite-related or structural issues, many TMJ symptoms are driven by:

• Muscle overactivity

• Joint restriction

• Neck involvement

• Movement habits and stress

Physical therapy is often appropriate when symptoms involve pain, stiffness, clicking, or functional limitation rather than structural damage.

How OPTC Treats Headaches & TMJ Differently

Treatment at Osteopractic Physical Therapy of the Carolinas focuses on:

• Upper cervical and thoracic spine mobility

• Jaw joint (TMJ) mechanics

• Muscle tone

• Nervous system regulation

• Movement coordination between neck and jaw

Care may include:

• Hands-on manual therapy

• Spinal and TMJ mobilization or manipulation (when appropriate)

• Dry needling for involved musculature

• Movement and postural retraining

• Education on long-term symptom management

Treatment is always individualized and one-on-one.

Why Headaches and TMJ Symptoms Often Become Chronic

Symptoms often persist because:

• Treatment focuses only on pain location

• The neck and jaw are treated separately

• Muscle tone is addressed without restoring joint motion

• Stress and load tolerance are not considered

Without addressing why symptoms are recurring, relief is often temporary.

How Many Physical Therapy Visits Does This Usually Take?

There is no fixed number, but many patients notice meaningful improvement within 3–6 focused visits when the primary drivers are identified and addressed.

Our goal is to:

• Reduce symptom frequency and intensity

• Improve jaw and neck movement

• Restore confidence with daily activity

• Prevent recurrence

FAQ