{"id":1060,"date":"2020-06-18T09:29:21","date_gmt":"2020-06-18T09:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trucaredentistry.com\/blog\/?p=1060"},"modified":"2023-10-30T01:36:44","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T01:36:44","slug":"can-tmj-disorder-prove-to-be-the-culprit-behind-frequent-headaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trucaredentistry.com\/blog\/can-tmj-disorder-prove-to-be-the-culprit-behind-frequent-headaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Can TMJ disorder prove to be the culprit behind frequent headaches? Here’s the answer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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People consider sleep deprivation, alcohol hangover, and constant stress as possible reasons behind headaches. They often ignore the possibility of other medical conditions triggering the same. Unfortunately, this may lead to a delay in diagnosing TMJ disorders that can be the main reason behind headaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are suffering from temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder(s) experience pain due to dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles next to the same that play a crucial role in controlling the hinge. The complex jaw system consists of bones, discs, ligaments, and muscles that help the lower jaw move side-to-side, forward, and backward. Issues with the hinge connecting lower and upper jaw can also restrict the jaw movement. Patients suffering from TMJ often complain of jaw getting stuck or making clicking or popping sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The medical condition is not uncommon. As per data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, roughly 10 million Americans are affected due to the disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why does the medical condition cause headache? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the list of TMJ syndromes, headache easily makes it in the list of top five. In some cases, patients with TMJ disorder might experience a headache on both sides. It can be a direct or secondary result of the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Case studies also highlight that headache associated with temporomandibular joint relieves with jaw relaxation and worsens, aggravates due to jaw movement. Such aches are also linked with the tenderness of muscles nearby the jaw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TMJ\u2019s inflammation and swelling have the potential to reach ligament tissues and muscles in the jaw area. Further, the spasm caused due to tightness and soreness in muscles results in pain around the neck, face, and skull areas. Even joint and muscular stress caused due to asymmetry in the jaw\u2019s alignment can trigger headaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can worsen migraines and increase their occurrence, resulting in issues with vision and sensation. However, the medical condition cannot directly cause migraines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosis <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Besides headaches, patients may also experience ear pain, unusual sounds, limited jaw movement, soreness, or stiffness of jaw muscles in the morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After considering the signs, symptoms, the dentist or physician would first check the patient\u2019s ability to open and close the jaw and examine its movements. In case of pain and tenderness, the professional would place a stethoscope in front of the ear to check if the jaw joint makes grinding, popping, or clicking sound while the patient opens and closes mouth.
\nExperts may recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or X-rays to examine various aspects of the joint and soft tissues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare experts can diagnose TMJ quickly if other temporomandibular joint disorder features accompany the headache. As such a problem can also indicate other severe conditions, the physician or dentist may opt for further investigation if TMD signs are absent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TMJ disorder treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Occasional pain in chewing muscles and jaw joints may not be a sign of TMD. Depending on the condition, your dentist or physician may recommend the use of oral appliances. They may also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and daily exercises as a part of the physical therapy. Patients can also practice self-care techniques like avoiding extreme jaw movements, eating soft foods, and applying ice pack or heat on the affected areas of the joint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-care techniques <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Feedback from several patients suggests some simple exercises can help in easing irritation caused due to TMD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stretching the jaw joint area can be a good start. Place the tongue tip on the roof of your mouth; let it apply a bit of pressure while opening your mouth as slowly as possible; keep it open for a few seconds and close it. Repeat this for five minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let your mouth remain in a closed position, and keep the jaw as relaxed as possible. Then, slowly, open the mouth as wide as possible. Keep the mouth in the open position for a few seconds, and let it close slowly. Once settled, look at the right side with your eyes without moving your neck and slowly move the jaw to the left side. Keep the jawbone in the same position for a few seconds and gradually shift back to the center. Repeat the same with eyes looking in the left, and jaw to the right side. Such movement of the jaw along with stretching can help in easing the irritation.
\nTMD can be a result of too much stress in life. Simple breathing exercises can help in relieving this stress. If you don\u2019t have much time, simply inhale for a five-second count and then slowly exhale. Try it for five minutes and experience the difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional care <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is advisable to ensure that you do not open your mouth too wide while you brush or floss. Do not apply too much pressure while brushing as teeth enamel might have weakened due to clenching and grinding associated with TMD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, exercises should not worsen the pain, and if they do so, it is advisable to contact your dentist immediately. If you think you need a professional dentist in Roswell<\/a>, GA, for treating TMDs, you should consider fixing an appointment at TruCare Dentistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs Related\nto TMJ Disorder<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Below are some of\nthe most common questions related to TMJ disorder, have a look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.What is the main cause of TMJ?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most\ncommon causes of TMJ disorder can be an injury to the teeth or jaw,\nmisalignment of the teeth or jaw, arthritis, teeth grinding, stress,\nbad posture, and gum chewing. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.Does TMJ disorder go away?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Discomfort caused\ndue to minor TMJ will usually go away without any treatment. However,\nif a person experiences the symptoms as mentioned below, he\/she must\nget an evaluation to avoid any issues in the future:<\/p>\n\n\n\n