An unpleasant and sometimes life-limiting condition called temporomandibular disorder, often abbreviated as TMD, can produce a disconcerting symptom called a TMJ headache. Sometimes patients don’t even realize that the headache is caused by TMD. They just know they keep experiencing headaches.
The TMJ Headache
TMD occurs when the temporomandibular joint experiences any type of injury, irritation, or misalignment. This crucial facial structure, often known simply as the TMJ, connects the jawbone and skull. Moreover, this feature enables you to perform certain routine but pertinent actions like chewing and speaking. These problems often result in a TMJ headache, although many sufferers don’t realize the connection right away.
Head discomfort might also be accompanied by jaw tenderness, ear pain, facial discomfort, a locking sensation rendering your jaw difficult to open and close, challenging or painful chewing, and clicking sounds when moving your jaw.
Headache Reduction Methods
To deal with the headache, you have to first recognize the common causes. TMJ factors include jaw-clenching and tooth-grinding, which is a problem affecting any age patient. Other problems may come with age, such as gradual joint deterioration causing the structure to experience improper alignment. Sometimes the joint has been traumatized by an acute injury.
Luckily, many sufferers can reduce or eliminate their TMJ headaches through methods such as:
Wearing Mouth Guards
You might find mouthguards beneficial if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw as a result of stress or other causes. These devices protect the jaw from injury when such events occur.
Making Dietary Changes
Sometimes altering your diet might reduce the stress placed on your jaw. For example, softer foods are easier to chew.
Stopping Bad Vices
Unfortunate habits including excessively chewing gum and biting your nails places undue strain on your jaw and could precipitate TMJ-related head discomfort.
Applying Heat
For immediate discomfort, applying heat packs might ease pain.
Medications
Depending upon the cause, medications might alleviate or get rid of TMD symptoms. Commonly employed preparations include anti-anxiety drugs, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory materials.
Exercises
Occasionally, jaw-stimulating exercises might ease associated pain and strengthen the joint, reducing the causes of the headache pain.
Seeing Professional Help
TMD cases are best treated by a dentist. The key to a quick and speedy recovery is contingent upon a prompt and thorough diagnosis.
Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms and reside in Phoenix or surrounding areas, we encourage you to contact Sky Dental by phone or make an appointment online.