TMJ dysfunction creates symptoms throughout the body—not just jaw pain. Because the temporomandibular joint sends approximately 35% of all sensory input to your central nervous system and connects mechanically to the upper cervical spine, sphenoid bone, and hyoid complex, dysfunction here cascades into seemingly unrelated problems.

For a comprehensive explanation of how TMJ affects whole-body health, see: Can TMJ Cause Other Problems?

Here are the ten most common signs of TMJ dysfunction:

1. Headaches and Migraines

Headaches are the most common symptom of TMJ dysfunction. Tension headaches from overactive temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid muscles. Migraines triggered by trigeminal nerve irritation (the trigeminal nerve innervates the jaw and is the primary pain pathway for migraines). Cervicogenic headaches from upper cervical compensation.

Clinical example: Patient presented with 32 consecutive days of migraine-type headache. Multiple ER visits, two neurologists, MRI and CT sca...

Most people say "I have TMJ" when describing jaw pain. That's like saying "I have knee" instead of "I have knee pain." TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint—the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. We all have two of them. What people mean is TMJ dysfunction: the joint isn't moving correctly, muscles aren't firing in proper sequence, or structural compensation has developed.

Why does this matter? Because TMJ dysfunction doesn't stay isolated to your jaw.

The Neurological Reality of TMJ Dysfunction

Your TMJ sends massive sensory input to your brain—approximately 35-40% of all proprioceptive information processed by your sensory cortex comes from the jaw and surrounding structures. This is why neurologists mapping the homunculus (the brain's representation of body parts) show disproportionately large areas dedicated to the face and jaw.

When TMJ mechanics are disrupted, that distorted sensory input affects motor control throughout the body. This isn't theoretical. We see it clin...