Does TMJ Cause My Headaches?

12 Oct Does TMJ Cause My Headaches?

If you experience headaches with no clear cause, one of the culprits could be lurking in your jaw. Most people don’t realize that Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders (TMDs) can lead to chronic headaches. Surprised? Here’s some expert insight on how the two are related and what you can do to alleviate TMJ headaches.

What Is TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ, is one of the most complex joints in the body. It allows for a smooth jaw movement for complex actions like speaking, chewing, swallowing, and yawning. This joint, present on both sides of your jaw and right in front of the ears, is like a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone (or mandible) to your skull. When it functions properly, you might not give it much thought. The minute you start having trouble with your jaw, the discomfort becomes more prominent and hard to ignore.

What Is TMJD/TMD?

TMJD/TMD, short for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, refers to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding nerves and muscles. It’s a common musculoskeletal issue with some life-altering symptoms. While TMJD/TMD can severely impact your everyday routine due to excessive pain, restricted jaw movement, and other unpleasant symptoms, it isn’t life-threatening. However, TMJD/TMD can unfortunately be mistaken for different problems, leaving the actual cause of your particular issue undiagnosed for much longer.

TMD Causes

The causes of TMD remain unclear in several cases. However, there are a few things that put a strain on the jaw joints and result in discomfort. Frequent teeth grinding or clenching, also called Bruxism, is a common cause of TMD as the habit exerts excessive pressure on the joint, leading to dysfunction. Other causes may include jaw injuries, high stress, nail biting, an improper bite, poor posture, muscle spasms, autoimmune disorders, and daily wear and tear. Some unusual causes like sinus infections, sleep apnea, and genetics can also worsen your condition. Understanding these causes can contribute to timely diagnoses and treatment.

TMD Symptoms

TMD presents a range of symptoms that often seem unrelated to your jaw at first glance. However, common and sure-shot signs include jaw pain or discomfort, stiffness, limited movement or locking of the jaw, and clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth. You might also experience dizziness, facial, neck, or shoulder pain, ear congestion or fullness, difficulty swallowing, and vision changes. Another important symptom to look out for is frequent headaches or migraines. This mandates an accurate diagnosis so you can get help right when you need it.

The Connection between TMJ and Headaches

Coming to the actual question – “Does TMJ cause my headaches?” It certainly can. Your TMJ connects your head and neck muscles, so any level of strain on these muscles can trigger headaches or migraines. The proximity of your TMJ, jaw, and head means your pain and discomfort can travel anywhere around these areas. If you feel a sudden tension in your eyes, head, cheeks, or sides when you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, your jaw may be the root cause of your chronic headache. You’d also experience unpleasant sensations when you talk for long, open your mouth widely, or put your jaw’s muscles to the test in some way.

If Bruxism is the root cause of your TMD, your pain may travel to the temples, leading to persistent aches, cramps, and headaches resembling migraines. Alternatively, if the cause is a misaligned bite, this can weaken the adjacent nerves and muscles, resulting in headaches. Even poor posture can aggravate your jaw pain and increase headaches. If left untreated, the damage can be irreversible and keep escalating.

Who Can Treat Your TMJ?

TMJ disorders are best treated by a dentist specializing in related dental issues. They can help you with the right diagnoses because your jaw and teeth health are interrelated. Upon proper evaluation, your dentist can devise the right treatment plan. In addition, since TMD is both a medical and a dental problem, you’d sometimes need to work with two different doctors for comprehensive care.

TMD can lead to lost productivity, missing social gatherings, and lost work days. If your teeth show signs of wear, you’ve started clenching your teeth more often, there’s unexplained upper body pain, and usual headache medications are showing no results, see a specialist and discuss further steps. You could be at risk of multiple migraine episodes daily; hence, it’s important to act promptly.

How Can A Dentist Help With TMJ Dysfunction?

A skilled dentist like Dr. Deepak Agarwal or Dr. Raunak Patel at Todays Dental can help address the underlying reasons for your recurring headaches. They can devise a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan, providing much-needed relief. Depending on your specific symptoms and diagnosis, your dentist might recommend custom mouthguards, realigning your bite, Botox, or other necessary treatments to reduce or eliminate headache symptoms. The best TMD dentist will be committed to providing gentle yet effective and quality care, utilizing the latest dental tools and techniques to deliver the best possible results.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you suspect you’re suffering from TMJ headaches, seek professional help. Dr. Deepak Agarwal or Dr. Raunak Patel at Todays Dental are here to assist you at every step. Please schedule an appointment and visit our Plainfield, Beverly, or Joliet office to get started. You deserve to live a pain-free life; we can make it happen. Get in touch now.