A migraine can certainly cause pain in your jaw. A migraine is a severe neurological event characterized by intense, throbbing head pain, often accompanied by symptoms like nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. The jaw pain felt during an attack is known as referred pain, where a disturbance in one area is perceived in another location. This jaw discomfort is a common symptom for many people who experience migraine attacks.
Why Migraines Cause Referred Jaw Pain
The neurological connection centers on the Trigeminal Nerve, the largest cranial nerve and major sensory pathway for the face and head. This nerve transmits sensations from the forehead, cheeks, and lower jaw, and also provides sensory input from the meninges, the protective coverings of the brain where migraine pain originates.
When a migraine is triggered, pain-sensing fibers in the meninges activate, sending signals through the Trigeminal Nerve pathway. Since the nerve branches converge in the brainstem, the brain misinterprets the source of the signals. This process, called central sensitization, causes the brain to perceive the deep, throbbing pain as originating from the lower face or jaw.
A secondary mechanism contributing to jaw discomfort is muscle guarding. Intense migraine pain causes involuntary tensing or clenching of the face, neck, and shoulder muscles. The temporalis and masseter muscles, which control jaw movement, are particularly susceptible. Sustained clenching leads to painful muscle spasms and fatigue, adding musculoskeletal pain to the referred pain.
How to Differentiate the Pain Source
Distinguishing between migraine-related jaw pain and pain from a primary issue like Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is important for effective treatment. Migraine-related jaw pain tends to be throbbing or pulsating, often mirroring the severe head pain. This referred pain usually resolves completely once the migraine attack subsides, aligning with the typical 4- to 72-hour duration of a migraine.
Migraine-related jaw pain is accompanied by classic migraine symptoms, such as sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia), or nausea. The pain may occur on one side of the face, matching the unilateral nature of many migraines, or it can be felt on both sides. A key differentiating factor is that migraine-related jaw pain is not aggravated by movement; chewing or opening the mouth wide does not typically intensify the discomfort.
In contrast, TMD pain is frequently localized around the temporomandibular joint, in front of the ear, or along the jawline. This pain is often aggravated by jaw function, such as chewing, yawning, or prolonged talking. TMD issues are also frequently accompanied by mechanical symptoms like clicking, popping, or a sensation of the jaw locking. If jaw pain persists when you are not experiencing a migraine, or if it is triggered by jaw movement, the source is likely a primary jaw joint or muscle disorder.
Relief Measures for Jaw Pain Associated with Migraines
Managing referred jaw pain involves addressing acute muscle tension and treating the underlying migraine attack. During an attack, consciously avoid habits like clenching the teeth or bracing the jaw. Applying gentle heat or alternating warm and cold compresses directly to the jaw muscles helps relax the tense masseter and temporalis muscles. Dietary adjustments also reduce strain; avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods minimizes forceful chewing and prevents muscle fatigue.
If the jaw pain is a direct symptom of the migraine, the most effective relief is achieved by treating the migraine itself. Medications designed to stop a migraine attack, such as triptans, frequently resolve the referred jaw pain as the neurological event calms down. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also address both the headache pain and the secondary muscle tension component in the jaw.