The Modern Myo

Have you ever noticed your headaches flare up after a stressful day of clenching your jaw? You’re not alone. Many people don’t realise that jaw tension is one of the most overlooked contributors to headaches. As a myotherapist, I see this connection every week in clinic — and the good news is, once you understand it, you can start finding relief.

The Jaw–Headache Connection

Your jaw is powered by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When muscles around this joint are overworked — through clenching, grinding, or poor posture — they create tension that radiates into your head.

Think of it like a river blocked by a beaver dam: the natural flow is disrupted, pressure builds, and the effects ripple downstream. In your body, that “dam” is tight jaw muscles, and the “downstream” is the headache pain you feel in your temples, behind your eyes, or even in your neck.

Signs Your Headache Might Be Jaw-Related

• Morning headaches (often linked to nighttime grinding)
• Pain around temples, behind the eyes, or near the ears
• Clicking, popping, or tightness in the jaw
• Neck and shoulder tension that accompanies headaches

If these sound familiar, your jaw could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Why Stress Makes It Worse

Stress and jaw tension go hand in hand. When life feels overwhelming, many of us unconsciously clench our teeth. This sets off a cycle: stress → jaw tension → headaches → more stress.

It’s like your jaw is carrying the weight of your worries. The first step to breaking the cycle is simply noticing it.

---

Self-Checks & At-Home Relief

Here are a few simple ways to check in with your jaw and ease tension:

• Self-check: Place your fingers on your temples while opening and closing your jaw. Notice if the muscles feel tight or tender.
• Jaw relaxation exercise: Rest your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth and breathe slowly.
• Posture tip: Keep screens at eye level to avoid forward-head strain.
• Lifestyle tweaks: Stay hydrated, reduce caffeine, and build in stress breaks during your day.

How Myotherapy Helps

Myotherapy goes beyond quick fixes. By releasing trigger points and easing muscle tension, we reduce the strain on your jaw and head. We also coach you on habits — like clenching awareness and posture — that make a lasting difference.

One client, for example, cut their migraines in half once we treated jaw tension. That’s the power of addressing the root cause instead of just masking symptoms.

---

If headaches keep coming back, your jaw might be the hidden culprit. The good news? Relief is possible. By combining awareness, simple at-home strategies, and professional myotherapy, you can break the cycle and reclaim your days.

Your headaches don’t have to control your life — sometimes, all it takes is a jaw release away.