Headaches affect millions of people in the U.S. every day. The cause of these headaches can be a mystery for many people and one of the last places you might consider would be your jaw. Yet, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause severe headaches leading to a chronic problem.
What Are TMJ Headaches?
It can be difficult to determine the difference between general headaches and TMJ headaches. Tension in the jaw can cause tension in the TMJ muscles on the top of the head, which you might experience as a TMJ headache. TMJ pain may be more common than you think: according to the American Migraine Foundation, 1 in 10 people suffer from TMJ pain.
TMJ Headache Symptoms
There are specific symptoms of TMJ headaches that separate them from other kinds of headaches. These are the most definitive indicators that you may be suffering from TMJ headaches:
Pain in the face and jaw
Difficulty moving the jaw
Muscle tightness in the face and jaw
TMJ Headache Treatments
When it comes to treating TMJ headaches, there are a few different options. Some of these options are based on lifestyle changes, while others require TMJ specialists and medical professionals:
Jaw exercises
Diet change
Stress reduction
Icing the jaw
Botox TMJ treatment
TMJ headaches can have a negative impact on your quality of life. If you feel you’re suffering from TMJ headaches, it is important to speak with a doctor that has experience treating TMJ. Our team of TMJ specialists at Waco Surgical Arts understand the nuances of these headaches and can prescribe the treatment that is best suited for you. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.