Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw and can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with movement. While headaches are not always directly caused by TMJ, they are a common symptom experienced by those who suffer from this condition.
In this blog post, we will explore how TMJ disorders can lead to headaches, including migraine and tension headaches. We will also look at effective treatment options to alleviate this discomfort.
Table of Contents
- What You Need To Know About TMJ
- How TMJ Affects Headaches
- Treatment Options for TMJ-Related Headaches
- TMJ Treatment in Greeley, CO at Clearwater Dentistry
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaway
TMJ disorders can cause headaches, including tension and migraine headaches. However, you can find relief from this discomfort with the right treatment approach. If you’re experiencing frequent headaches and suspect it may be related to your TMJ, consult your dentist.
What You Need To Know About TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, acting as a sliding hinge and enabling jaw movement. This joint allows for the movements required in chewing, talking, and yawning.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
TMJ Disorders can be caused by various factors, including:
- A misaligned bite
- Injuries to the jaw or head
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Stress and tension leading to muscle tightness in the jaw
- Poor posture
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder may include:
- Jaw pain or facial pain
- Difficulty in chewing or pain while eating chewy foods
- A feeling of tiredness in the jaw muscles
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Muscle tension around the jaw and shoulders
- Frequent earaches or ringing in the ears
How TMJ Affects Headaches
The muscles in your jaw are directly connected to your head and neck muscles. An issue with your jaw joint can lead to muscle tension in these areas, causing pain and discomfort.
If left untreated, TMJ disorders can also lead to chronic pain in the head and neck, resulting in frequent headaches. Sometimes, the pain signals from your jaw can trigger migraines or tension headaches.
Types of Headaches Associated with TMJ
The most common types of headaches associated with TMJ disorders are:
- Tension headaches: Dull and constant headaches can cause aching or pressure around the head and neck. They are often triggered by muscle tension, which TMJ disorders can cause.
- Migraine headaches: More severe and intense than tension headaches, with additional symptoms like nausea, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light and sound. TMJ-related migraines occur when the pain signals from your jaw joint trigger a migraine.
Treatment Options for TMJ-Related Headaches
The good news is that TMJ-related headaches can be treated with a combination of dental and medical care.
Dental Treatments
Our team at Clearwater Dentistry will evaluate your jaw joint and dental health to determine the root cause of your headaches. Some dental treatments include:
- Bite (Occlusal) guard: A custom-made night guard can help alleviate muscle tension caused by clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment: Correcting misaligned teeth and bites through orthodontic procedures such as SureSmile aligners or traditional braces can relieve symptoms caused by the jaw joint and alleviate headaches.
Medical Treatments
Your doctor may suggest medical treatments or refer you to a TMJ specialist to manage pain and reduce muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders. These may include:
- Muscle relaxants to relax your jaw muscles and reduce tension.
- Physical therapy exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your jaw, neck, and shoulders.
- Botox or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in the jaw joint.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Making specific lifestyle changes can also help alleviate TMJ-related headaches, such as:
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods that exacerbate jaw pain.
- Practicing stress-reduction techniques to lessen muscle tension.
- Regularly performing jaw exercises to improve flexibility.
TMJ Treatment in Greeley, CO at Clearwater Dentistry
TMJ disorders can significantly impact your quality of life, leading to jaw pain and chronic headaches.
At Clearwater Dentistry, our team is committed to identifying the root cause of your discomfort and developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our holistic approach focuses on the body as a whole, recognizing that dental health is connected with overall well-being. We prioritize preventative care to prevent the worsening of TMJ-related issues and to maintain optimal oral health.
Don’t let TMJ-related headaches control your life. If you are searching for ‘TMJ treatment in Greeley, CO,’ we can help. Call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online booking form. Start your journey to a healthier, happier you today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A TMJ-related headache can feel like a dull, constant ache around the head and neck. It may also cause tension or tightness in the jaw muscles.
The duration of a TMJ headache can vary significantly from person to person and depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, they may only last for a few hours, while in others, they may persist for days or weeks.
The most effective way to get rid of TMJ-related headaches is by addressing the underlying cause. Treatments may include dental treatments, medical interventions, and lifestyle adjustments. Consult with a dentist or doctor for a personalized treatment plan.
Other conditions that are sometimes mistaken for TMJ disorders include tension headaches, sinus infections, ear infections, and wisdom tooth development. Consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
If you are searching for ‘TMJ treatment near me,’ trust Clearwater Dentistry.