Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. Around half of adults worldwide have a headache problem in any given year, and jaw pain is also common. Most headaches and jaw problems are not caused by anything serious, and many respond well to simple self-care, exercise and good advice, but some signs need urgent medical attention.
Common head & jaw conditions
Tension-type headache (tension headache, stress headache)
Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache.
Read more→Cervicogenic headache (headache from the neck, neck-related headache)
Cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by a problem in the neck, such as the joints, muscles or nerves of the upper spine.
Read more→Migraine (migraine headache, migraine with aura)
Migraine is a common neurological condition that causes repeated attacks of moderate to severe headache, often throbbing and on one side, usually with feeling sick or sensitivity to light and sound.
Read more→Jaw pain (temporomandibular disorder) (TMD, TMJ disorder)
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions causing pain and stiffness in the jaw joint and the chewing muscles.
Read more→Concussion and persistent post-concussion symptoms (concussion, mild traumatic brain injury)
Concussion is a brain injury caused by a knock to the head or a jolt to the body that shakes the brain.
Read more→
Getting the right help
Not sure which of these fits? Our team can assess what is going on, explain it clearly and point you to the right care, including referral back to your GP where that is the better route.
Other areas
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Wrist and hand pain
- Upper back and chest wall pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip, groin and pelvic pain
- Knee pain
- Shin and calf pain
- Ankle and foot pain
- Pain in pregnancy and after birth
- Aches and pains in children and young people
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
