Headache
Temple pain
The temporalis muscle stretches like a fan from the side of the skull to the jaw and becomes tense when the mouth closes (when the teeth make contact). Various oral habits — such as jaw clenching and teeth grinding — place increased stress on the temporalis muscle, which can manifest as pain in the temple region. If you place your fingers on your temples and clench your teeth, you can feel the temporalis muscle tightening — this tension is a frequent cause of headaches felt in the temple area.
During temporomandibular physiotherapy, we identify and raise awareness of oral habits that may be maintaining the pain. We help patients learn the resting position of the jaw, reducing the load placed on the overactive muscles. Existing muscle spasms are released using soft-tissue mobilization techniques. With continuous muscle relaxation and the release of established spasms, TMJ-focused physiotherapy can significantly reduce headaches caused by tense chewing muscles.
Neck pain (occipital pain)
In a physiological head position, the neck supports approximately five kilograms of weight. When the head shifts forward, this natural alignment is disrupted. The further the head moves forward, the greater the load placed on the temporomandibular joint and the cervical spine. With forward head posture, the muscles of the neck and the back of the head become tense and pull the head upward and forward. Their continuous tension leads to pain in the occipital (back of the head) region. Due to this abnormal head position, the overworked neck and occipital muscles may develop trigger points. Trigger points are characteristic, palpable knots within the muscle that, when pressure is applied, cause referred pain to specific areas. Trigger points in the occipital muscles are common contributors to migraines and headaches that present in a “crown-like” pattern.
Top-of-head pain
When no medical condition is found behind pain at the top of the head, it may be caused by overworked neck muscles resulting from abnormal head and neck posture. Trigger points that develop in the neck muscles often cause pain radiating to the top of the head, which can be effectively treated with physiotherapy.
During temporomandibular therapy, we help restore physiological head posture and rebalance the affected muscles. If needed, soft-tissue mobilization techniques are used to release trigger points, effectively treating headaches caused by excessive strain on the occipital and neck muscles.
