Do you get headaches regularly? It’s a common issue, and you might be surprised to learn that the root cause could be your jaw. Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) affect up to 12% of American adults and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including chronic headaches.
Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics specialize in TMJ treatment in Sunnyvale, California, and we believe understanding the connection between TMJ disorders and headaches is an important first step toward lasting relief.
Your TMJ is a hinge joint responsible for moving your jaw smoothly so you can talk, chew, and even yawn. You have one TMJ on either side of your face, and a TMJ disorder develops when the joint or the muscles around it are inflamed, misaligned, or otherwise dysfunctional.
Some common symptoms of a TMJ disorder are:
TMJ disorders can stem from various causes, including teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw injuries, arthritis, or even emotional stress that leads to jaw clenching.
The muscles surrounding your TMJs are closely connected to the muscles in your face, head, and neck. When the joint isn’t functioning properly, it can create tension and inflammation in these muscles and cause headaches.
In fact, many people with TMJ disorders experience tension-type headaches, which feel like a dull, aching pain around your forehead, temples, or the back of your head. In some cases, TMJ issues can also contribute to migraines or worsen existing headache patterns.
While not every headache is due to a TMJ disorder, certain signs may indicate a connection. Your headaches could be linked to TMJ issues if:
Because the symptoms overlap with other types of headaches, it can sometimes be challenging to pinpoint TMJ as the source of your headaches without a professional evaluation. So, if these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth having your TMJ function evaluated — and Dr. Touni and our team are here to help.
If your chronic headaches are linked to a TMJ disorder, the good news is that effective treatments are available to manage TMJ disorders and the symptoms they cause. At Touni Orthodontics, we offer customized treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Night guards or splints can make a big difference in preventing teeth grinding and reducing jaw tension. We might also recommend physical therapy exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles and lifestyle modifications, like stress management techniques.
Orthodontic treatment may be a good option to help correct bite misalignments that contribute to TMJ pain. In severe cases, we may refer you to an oral surgeon for more advanced care.
When it comes to TMJ disorders, early intervention helps prevent long-term damage and worsening symptoms. If you suspect your headaches could be linked to TMJ dysfunction, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation at Touni Orthodontics by calling our office or booking an appointment online today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
