You may already have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or TMD and not know it. Those mysterious headaches have a root cause. The general dentist will assess you. The results may indicate your jaw joint as the source of your pain. Understanding why your TMJ issues may be causing your headaches can provide you with the right solution.
It can be surprising for some people to learn that TMD is causing headaches. But TMJ headaches are common. Knowing more about them can provide lasting relief. The jaw joint has a vital role in connecting the lower jaw to the skull. It functions as a hinge each time the mouth opens and closes. It needs many bones and muscles to function without issue.
Misalignment, stress, and swelling can interrupt the jaw joint’s smooth functioning. Pain from the jaw joint spreads to different areas, such as the temples. TMJ headaches mask themselves as normal migraines or tension headaches. Pressure builds behind the eyes or in the temples. It worsens when the individual talks or eats.
Sometimes, patients complain about jaw issues while having headaches. The general dentist can pinpoint the root cause of the discomfort. The diagnosis is possible by palpating the jaw and the jaw joint. Ordering dental X-rays and scans can confirm the source of the pain.
Headaches may indicate TMD. But TMJ headaches do not occur by themselves. Patients may also experience jaw-popping when moving the jaw. There could also be tenderness of the face or neck. Morning jaw stiffness limits one’s ability to open the mouth. Earaches can also occur. Some individuals feel some changes in how the teeth fit together. Here are some causes of TMD headaches:
The general dentist will evaluate the patient’s mouth and medical history during the consultation. This assessment will be a combination of symptom study, physical exams, and diagnostic imaging. After the diagnosis, discussing the treatment options will follow. The general dentist will create a treatment plan based on the patient’s lifestyle, symptoms, and health. Any of the following may be part of the treatment plan.
Muscle relaxant injections can help manage jaw joint pain. Each injection targets specific jaw muscles. The goal is to reduce involuntary jaw clenching and tension in the jaw muscles. These injections relieve jaw pain and headaches caused by TMJ disorders.
A custom-fitted mouthguard or splint can help relieve headaches by reducing pressure on the jaw joint. It prevents the lower and upper dental arches from meeting. This device also protects the teeth from damage due to bruxism while sleeping at night.
Lifestyle changes can help relieve the headaches. Good posture and stress management can improve TMJ pain. Meditation may also relieve anxiety and stress. These practices can prevent or reduce headaches.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tmj in New York, NY
Headaches can be debilitating. But knowing the root cause can help stop it right away. A full assessment can determine if the headache is due to a TMJ disorder. Working with your general dentist can help you regain a good quality of life.
Request an appointment or call Elliott Ostro, DMD at 212-847-3833 for an appointment in our New York office.
It would be a gift for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders to disappear on their own. This situation would save you time, effort, and money. Resolving mild symptoms at home may work for a select few. But symptoms that develop from an underlying condition can last for months or even years. Knowing when to visit a…
Wondering what happens during a TMJ evaluation? Read on to learn more. Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, can arise when the facial muscles or joints are no longer functioning smoothly. This disorder can be a complex issue caused by multiple dysfunctions at the same time, so it is common for patients to have questions about…
TMJ and TMD are two initialisms that seem the same because they both have temporomandibular joints in them. It is important to know their differences. That way, you can understand that these groups of letters do not mean the same thing. Below are the differences between TMJ and TMD.The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has the important…
