Headaches rank among the most frequent ill health signs worldwide. Typically, individuals use analgesics or pinpoint stress as the reason for the pain. However, sometimes what is referred to as a ‘headache’ may be something entirely different. It might be associated with the temporomandibular joint, abbreviated as TMJ. Differentiating symptoms of these two conditions can rescue you from enduring pain of a long period and also facilitate speedy obtaining of the correct treatment.
Many of the patients whose cases we handle at THE DENTAL VENUE, are those who mistake their TMJ pains for tension headaches or migraines. We will, therefore, analyze the differences between them and the appropriate time to see a doctor.
What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to the base of your skull. It allows one to open and close the mouth, chew, speak and even yawn. Because this joint is so active, it is also prone to stress and injury. TMJ disorders, often called TMD, occur when the joint or surrounding muscles become strained or misaligned. This strain can lead to pain that feels very similar to a headache.
How TMJ Pain Feels Different From a Headache
Headaches are mostly due to dehydration, stress, bad posture or can be related to sinus or neurological issues. Typically people describe them as a sensation of something pressing on the head, or that the head is throbbing or aching. However, if you have pain in your temporomandibular joint, the case is different as the symptoms are different and you need to look out for these:
Jaw pain: The pain may also extend to the temples, cheeks, or ears.
Clicking or popping sounds: The clicking of the jaw could be something that you hear or feel when you open your mouth.
Limited movement: It might be that opening your mouth wide is painful or that you cannot do it physically.
Tender muscles: Sore muscles around the jaw which may be sore to the touch.
Ear-related discomfort:
Fullness, ringing, or pain in the ear without infection, which is most commonly associated with TMJ.
If your “headache” comes along with by these symptoms, the source of the problem is probably the jaw joint.
Why TMJ Pain and Headaches Are Often Confused
One of the largest nerves in the head is the trigeminal nerve. It passes through both the jaw and the face. When the TMJ is strained, pain signals can travel along this nerve and feel like a typical headache. This overlap is why many people see a physician first, only to find that the root cause is dental.
Why TMJ Pain and Headaches Are Often Confused
One of the largest nerves in the head is the trigeminal nerve. It passes through both the jaw and the face. When the TMJ is strained, pain signals can travel along this nerve and feel like a typical headache. This overlap is why many people see a physician first, only to find that the root cause is dental.
When It Might Be Just a Headache
Pain in the region of the temple or the forehead may not necessarily be due to Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Sometimes pain may result from one of these factors: dehydration, hormonal changes, bright lights, certain foods or maybe a tension headache or migraine. Generally, these kinds of pains can be alleviated by rest, hydration, or taking some medicine.TMJ-related pain can be kept on, or even become stronger, if one continues to chew, talk, or yawn.
When to See a Dentist
If you experience any of the following, it is advisable to see a dentist:
Headaches are persistent and do not get better with the usual remedies
The jaw is making a clicking sound or is getting stuck
There is a sensation of pain when chewing or opening the mouth
Grinding of teeth or clenching of the jaw is happening to you frequently
The pain that is radiating to the ear or neck
We at THE DENTAL VENUE can assess whether your pain is resulting from TMJ and put together a treatment plan that will help relieve your symptoms.
How TMJ Pain is Treated
If you’re suffering from a mild case, treatments will mainly be conservative which will significantly relieve your pain:
A custom-made mouthguard or splint to relieve clenching or grinding
Physical therapy exercises to strengthen and relax jaw muscles
Use of stress management techniques to reduce tension
Adjustment of diet to avoid hard or chewy foods during flare-ups
Use of medications for pain or inflammation if necessary
Where the condition is severely advanced, dental or orthodontic interventions may be advised. The primary goal is to bring back comfort and safeguard the health of your joint.
The Risks of Ignoring TMJ Pain
If you leave TMJ pain without treatment, it can cause you to have a long time, it can also cause your teeth to become worn-out, and your bite may get worse. Besides that, the pain may extend to the neck and shoulders, thus resulting in more strain. That is why the first diagnosis time is very important as it facilitates the treatment and also avoids the damage of the body parts for a long time.
We at THE DENTAL VENUE, are dedicated to providing you with the best and most gentle care whether you have a TMJ disorder or any other dental problem. Do not let the pain in your jaw or the persistent headaches be the reasons for your life’s quality to diminish. The correct therapy is capable of relieving you.
