How TMJ Causes Headaches

Headaches often seem mysterious in origin, and even your doctor may have trouble tracking down the original cause of your headaches. However, TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder, can cause them in several ways:

  • Muscle tension
  • Pinched or pressured nerves
  • Referred pain

Because of the complex nature of your mouth system, it may sometimes be that all three causes work together to cause you migraines. TMJ treatment at a Columbia, SC dental office can address all these causes to reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches.

Tension Headaches

These are the most common type, affecting up to 80% of Americans. It is also the most common type of headache associated with TMJ. In this type, tension from your jaw muscles causes tension in other muscles that they work with. Most often, this results in pain around your temple. This pain can be very severe, sometimes as severe as migraines. And if you are susceptible to migraines, tension headaches can trigger them. Studies have shown that TMJ treatment can reduce their severity and frequency.

TMJ and Migraines

We don’t always know what causes migraines. In fact, recent research suggests that many of the traditional migraine triggers may not be to blame, after all. But we do know that they seem to start in the trigeminal nerve, one of the most important nerves for bringing data to the brain. This nerve runs by the temporomandibular joint, and that TMJ can put pressure on or pinch this nerve. TMJ irritation of the trigeminal nerve can trigger migraines. Studies have shown that TMJ treatment can reduce the frequency, but not the severity, of migraines.

Referred Pain Headaches

Our nerves are not always specific. Sometimes they get confused about the true origin point of pain, and this makes us think we’re hurting one place when we’re actually hurting another. This is called “referred pain.” Sometimes, pain in our jaw or mouth is interpreted as headache pain. In fact, this is the currently accepted explanation for the phenomenon known as “brain freeze.” It feels like it’s pain in your head, but it’s actually mouth pain.

Contact Our TMJ Dentist

Dr. Adam Hahn is trained in the science of neuromuscular dentistry, the discipline of analyzing how the nerves, muscles, bones, and teeth in your mouth work together as a system. He understands the principles that cause TMJ headaches and has helped many people in Columbus, SC to get relief from daily, disabling migraines.

You don’t have to live with TMJ headaches. Please call Smile Columbia Dentistry at (803) 781-9090 today for an appointment with Dr. Adam Hahn.

FAQ’s

TMJ can manifest through a variety of symptoms. Common signs include jaw pain or soreness, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, jaw locking, earaches, facial pain, and neck or shoulder tension. These symptoms often vary in severity and can worsen over time without treatment.

If you experience frequent headaches that are associated with jaw pain, tension in your neck, or clicking/popping noises when you move your jaw, it may indicate TMJ. If traditional headache treatments haven’t provided relief, TMJ could be the underlying cause. A visit to a TMJ dentist can help determine if TMJ is contributing to your headaches.

Yes, TMJ can lead to ear pain or a sensation of fullness or ringing in the ears, a condition known as tinnitus. This is often caused by the close proximity of the temporomandibular joint to the ear structures. TMJ-related ear issues are often mistaken for ear infections but are usually a result of jaw dysfunction.

Yes, stress can play a significant role in TMJ symptoms. Stress often causes muscle tension, which can lead to teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching, both of which contribute to the development or worsening of TMJ. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help alleviate TMJ symptoms.

A comprehensive evaluation is needed to diagnose TMJ. This typically includes a physical examination, discussion of symptoms, dental imaging (such as X-rays or CBCT), and sometimes, an evaluation of bite and jaw movement. If needed, advanced diagnostic techniques such as MRI or CT scans can be used to assess joint and muscle function.

Treatment options for TMJ vary based on the severity of symptoms. Conservative treatments include lifestyle changes, stress management, physical therapy, night guards to prevent teeth grinding, and medications to relieve pain and inflammation. For more severe cases, your dentist may recommend neuromuscular dentistry techniques, dental splints, or surgical intervention in rare instances.

While there is no “cure” for TMJ, the condition can often be effectively managed with treatment. Many patients find significant relief through conservative approaches, and the severity of symptoms can decrease with proper care and ongoing management.

The timeline for improvement varies by individual. Some patients experience relief within weeks of beginning treatment, while others may take longer. The severity of symptoms and adherence to treatment protocols can affect how quickly a patient responds to therapy.