Jaw problems can cause a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms related to jaw problems is a TMJ headache. This kind of headache can be quite severe in some patients, and the jaw problems associated with TMJ can make it hard to eat, talk, or sleep comfortably. Treating these types of headaches often involves a multi-faceted treatment plan.
The most common symptoms related to TMJ headaches are:
TMJ headaches can often be confused with tension headaches or migraines, and it is possible for jaw problems to be the root cause of migraines without being a TMJ headache.
TMJ pain and jaw problems can be related to a variety of problems or existing conditions. If you have had orthodontia, a jaw injury, or you have arthritis, you might be more likely to develop with TMJ. Those who grind their teeth in their sleep can also be at risk for developing TMJ-related headaches.
The risk factors for jaw disorders are often the same as the causes. In some cases, anxiety or connective tissue diseases can lead to TMJ headaches. Having an injury to the jaw or having arthritis are two of the most common reasons for developing TMJ-related headaches, but tooth grinding can also be closely connected to the development of these problems.
Diagnosis of your TMJ-related headaches can require some patience. The symptoms of these headaches can mimic many other kinds of conditions that cause headaches. Doctors will examine your jaw and listen and feel for clicking or sticking in the motion of your jaw. Pressure might be placed on various areas around the jaw as well to palpate for pain.
Dental x-rays can help to identify this problem, or a CT scan might be used to get detailed images of the bones that are associated with the TMJ joint. If your headaches are very severe, you might need an MRI to be sure that there are no other issues causing your headaches.
The treatment of TMJ-related headaches involves pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to help manage your pain. You might be given higher-dose pain medications to help you with your discomfort when you have a bad headache.
Some people benefit from taking antidepressants like amitriptyline. In low doses, they can help with pain relief, teeth grinding, and sleeplessness. Muscle relaxants can also be very helpful to those who are suffering from TMJ-related headaches or jaw problems. For those whose jaw problems are not causing severe headaches but are causing damage to the teeth, splints or mouth guards can be the right solution. These oral devices can protect our teeth from damage and your jaw from pain.
Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles. Hot and cold therapy can also be beneficial. In some cases, counselling can better support healthy sleep and reduce the likelihood that you will clench your jaw all day or all night.
In some cases, surgical interventions like injections of corticosteroids in the TMJ joint can be very helpful in eliminating pain and headaches related to jaw problems. Arthroscopic surgery can also help treat TMJ disorders and can correct the remodelling of the joint related to long-term TMJ problems.
Prevention of TMJ problems often involves being responsive to new or worsening jaw pain. If you have been given a jaw guard to help with teeth grinding, you need to wear it as directed by your doctor. You might not be able to avoid getting TMJ-related jaw problems if you have certain health conditions. In these cases, you will need to treat the symptoms and avoid activities that lead to this kind of pain or TMJ headaches.