Why Your Head Pain Might Be TMJ
Living with TMJ pain can turn everyday moments into unexpected challenges.
Your TMJ - or temporomandibular joints - are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. The muscles controlling your TMJ allow your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and front to back - so when you experience issues with your TMJ, it can affect every aspect of your life.
Picture this: your toast in the morning becomes a test of endurance; yawning feels like a risky move; and even laughing with your friends might leave you cradling your jaw. That persistent ache can transform simple activities like chewing or speaking into careful, calculated movements, while enjoying a crunchy snack might feel like an impossible feat.
But the impact extends beyond just jaw pain, often bringing along unwanted companions like headaches, ear pain, and even neck tension.
Dr Isaac discussing location of TMJ pain during an assessment.
What are TMJ Headaches?
TMJ issues often go unnoticed as many people assume their symptoms are caused by headaches. However, there are some ways to differentiate between the potential sources of your pain. To do this, you should consider the location of your pain, the trigger, and other symptoms you’re experiencing.
When experiencing a tension headache, it’s standard to feel a sensation like a tight band around the head. As the name suggests, tension headaches are often triggered by stress or muscle tension. They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days.
Migraines, on the other hand, are often described as throbbing headaches felt on one side of the face, and are accompanied by nausea and light/sound sensitivity.
Comparing pain of Tension Headaches/Migraines
With TMJ flare ups, pain typically radiates from the jaw, around the temples, and behind the eyes. Unlike migraines or tension headaches, TMJ headaches are more mechanically linked to jaw function.
Common triggers for TMJ discomfort include:
Stress-related jaw clenching
Bruxism or teeth grinding (especially during sleep)
Dehydration, and even certain eating habits.
The pain might begin as a subtle morning ache before developing into more persistent discomfort throughout the day. Other symptoms you may be experiencing include jaw clicking, restricted mouth movement, or ear pain.
How To Know Your TMJ is Flared
TMJ flare-ups occur when the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull becomes irritated or inflamed. This complex joint is responsible for all jaw movements, from speaking to eating, making it one of the most frequently used joints in your body.
When problems arise, you might experience symptoms such as:
Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
Jaw stiffness or limited movement
Jaw pain
Face and temple pain
Difficulty chewing or biting
Unexplained ear pain or ringing
Muscle spasms
How TMJ Pain is Treated
Regardless of the cause, severe headaches and TMJ pain warrant professional intervention; if your pain is persistent or accompanied by restricted jaw movement and clicking sounds, it's time to consult a healthcare professional.
Your local chiropractor can provide a comprehensive evaluation to uncover the root cause of your discomfort.
With a detailed physical examination and targeted diagnostic techniques, we could identify the causes of your headaches or TMJ pain. Our approach goes beyond symptom management, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying issues that may be triggering your pain. Once done, and we’ve identified where the problem lies, we can advise on a personalised care plan.
Dr Isaac Delivers a TMJ Adjustment
Through a combination of gentle adjustments, proper exercises, and lifestyle modifications, you could develop effective strategies for managing and relieving TMJ pain.
Don't let TMJ pain rob you of life's quality. Answers and relief are within reach through expert chiropractic intervention. Schedule a consultation now – your body deserves decisive, professional care.