If you’re experiencing persistent headaches and can’t quite figure out why, your jaw might be the culprit.
That’s right—your jaw.
One of the most common and often overlooked symptoms of TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) is chronic headaches. For many people, TMJ headaches feel just like tension headaches, migraines, or sinus pain, making them incredibly frustrating to diagnose—and even harder to treat with traditional solutions.
But here’s the good news: there is a way forward. In Calgary, Dr. Curtis Westersund has earned a reputation as one of the leading TMJ dentists in the country, helping patients find real, lasting relief from TMJ-related pain, including stubborn and recurring headaches.
What Is a TMJ Headache?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull—right in front of your ears. This joint plays a major role in talking, chewing, and even posture. When it’s misaligned or not functioning properly, it can cause a ripple effect through the muscles in your head, neck, face, and shoulders.
This can result in:
- Dull, aching headaches (especially near the temples)
- Morning headaches due to nighttime clenching or grinding
- Pain that mimics migraines or sinus pressure
- Headaches that get worse with jaw movement or chewing
What makes TMJ headaches so tricky is that they often don’t feel like a “jaw problem”. Many patients go years seeing neurologists, ENT specialists, or chiropractors—never realizing the problem might be dental in nature.
Why Does TMJ Cause Headaches?
Think of your jaw like a hinge. If that hinge is off—even slightly—it throws the muscles surrounding it into overdrive. That extra tension often spreads to the temporal muscles (on the side of the head), the neck, and even the shoulders.
Clenching, grinding, poor posture, stress, or an imbalanced bite can all contribute to this imbalance. Over time, the strain builds—and so does the pain.
This is where a specially trained TMJ dentist becomes essential.
Meet Dr. Curtis Westersund: Calgary’s TMJ Dentist
Dr. Curtis Westersund isn’t just a general dentist who occasionally treats jaw pain—he’s spent years focusing on the relationship between jaw alignment, muscle balance, and chronic pain. At his Calgary practice, he offers advanced diagnostics and personalized treatments specifically for patients dealing with TMJ disorders.
Using non-invasive technology and a deep understanding of the biomechanics of the jaw, Dr. Westersund can identify whether your headaches are linked to TMJ dysfunction—and more importantly, help you relieve the pain.
How TMJ Headache Treatment Works
First, Dr. Westersund conducts a thorough evaluation using digital imaging, bite analysis, and muscle testing. From there, he develops a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Neuromuscular orthotics to rebalance your bite
- Oral appliances (night guards) to prevent clenching and grinding
- Bite adjustments to improve alignment
- TENS therapy or muscle relaxation techniques to ease tension
- Lifestyle and posture guidance to support long-term healing
His approach is always gentle, informed, and focused on the root cause—not just the symptoms.
The Difference Real Relief Can Make
Many patients who suffer from TMJ headaches feel trapped in a cycle of painkillers, guesswork, and frustration. But when the jaw is properly supported and the muscles finally relax, everything starts to change.
- Headaches lessen—or disappear completely
- Sleep improves
- Concentration returns
- Energy increases
- Quality of life goes up
The most common thing Dr. Westersund hears from his TMJ patients? “I wish I had found you sooner.”
Stop Guessing. Start Healing.
If you’ve been living with unexplained headaches and nothing seems to help, it’s time to look beyond the obvious—and consider your jaw.
Dr. Curtis Westersund in Calgary has helped hundreds of patients find freedom from TMJ-related pain. With the right diagnosis and the right treatment, your headaches don’t have to control your life.
