Treating TMJ Pain to Relieve Migraine Symptoms

Chronic migraines can be debilitating - causing pain, sensitivity to light, and a major disruption to daily life. Many migraine sufferers are surprised to learn that TMJ disorders (problems with the temporomandibular joint) can be a major contributing factor. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego, we specialize in identifying and treating TMJ-related pain to help patients in La Mesa find lasting relief.

Understanding the Link Between TMJ and Migraines

The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, and when this joint becomes misaligned or overworked, it can trigger inflammation and nerve irritation. This tension often radiates through the head, neck, and face - leading to chronic headaches or migraines. Common TMJ symptoms include jaw pain, popping or clicking sounds, stiffness, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. If you suffer from migraines and experience these symptoms, TMJ dysfunction may be playing a role in your pain.

Why Choose an Orofacial Pain Specialist?

Not all migraines originate from TMJ disorders, but when they do, general treatments may only mask symptoms temporarily. Our orofacial pain specialist in La Mesa has the training, experience, and technology to address the root cause of your pain - restoring balance, reducing inflammation, and preventing future flare-ups.

Advanced TMJ-Related Migraine Treatment in La Mesa

At our center, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to TMJ and migraine relief. We use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort, then create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Some of our most effective TMJ treatment options in La Mesa include:

•           Custom-Made Oral Appliances: These devices gently realign your jaw and relieve pressure on the temporomandibular joint. By stabilizing the jaw’s position, they can significantly reduce tension headaches and migraines.

•           Laser Therapy: This non-invasive treatment promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation in the affected muscles and joints, helping ease pain at its source.

•           Phonophoresis: This innovative therapy uses ultrasound waves to enhance the delivery of anti-inflammatory medications deep into tissues, providing targeted relief for TMJ-related pain and tension.

Expanded Advanced Pain-Relief Options

Trigger Point Injections (TPI)
 

·        Ideal for patients with myofascial trigger points in the masseter, temporalis, SCM, or upper trapezius muscles. These injections help “turn off” hyperactive muscle bands that refer pain into the temples, forehead, eyes, or scalp—common migraine patterns associated with TMJ dysfunction.
 

Peripheral Nerve Blocks
 

·        Targeted anesthetic blocks can calm irritated cranial nerves involved in headache and facial pain, including:

·        Auriculotemporal nerve block

·        Supraorbital / supratrochlear nerve block

·        Greater and lesser occipital nerve blocks

·        These blocks provide rapid relief and reduce pain input from overloaded jaw, scalp, and facial structures.
 

gammaCore® Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS)
 

·        This handheld device uses gentle electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve to reduce headache intensity, disrupt pain pathways, and regulate autonomic responses involved in chronic migraine—a natural, medication-free adjunct for patients with TMJ-related migraines.

TX360® Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Block
 

·        A minimally invasive targeted nasal applicator delivers anesthetic to the SPG, a key pain-modulating nerve cluster involved in migraines, facial pain, trigeminal irritation, and autonomic symptoms. This treatment is well-tolerated and offers significant relief for patients with TMJ-related migraine patterns.

Comprehensive, Personalized Treatment Plans
 

·        These therapies may be used individually or combined to provide optimal relief. Because TMJ-related migraine pain can involve muscles, joints, nerves, airway factors, and stress-related clenching/grinding, our multidisciplinary approach addresses every layer contributing to your symptoms.

Each of these therapies can be used individually or combined for the most effective results.

Schedule a TMJ Evaluation in La Mesa Today

Living with migraines linked to TMJ pain can be exhausting - but you don’t have to keep suffering. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego, we specialize in pinpointing the connection between jaw dysfunction and chronic headaches to provide meaningful, lasting relief. With advanced options, we deliver personalized TMJ treatment in La Mesa designed to ease your pain and restore your quality of life.

Schedule a consultation with our orofacial pain specialist at TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego to discover how our advanced TMJ-related migraine treatments can help you feel better and live pain-free. Visit our office in La Mesa, California, or call (619) 762-4379 to book an appointment today.