Headaches and TMJ

    WASHINGTON, DC, September 30, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Headaches can often be a symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The TMJ connects your jaw bone to your skull, and there are a number of problems that can arise in the joint and the muscles surrounding it. For instance, if the joint comes under an excessive amount of pressure, then a tension headache may result.

TMJ Disorders leading to Headaches

Headaches can result from trauma to the TMJ. For example, injuries sustained in a car accident or while playing sports can fracture the jaw or the TMJ. These types of traumatic injuries may require reconstructive jaw surgery.

Headaches often occur as a result of physical stress placed on the TMJ. Specifically, pressure may be placed on the TMJ disk, which is a cushion-like piece between the ball and socket of the TMJ. Pressure applied to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the TMJ can also result in a headache. When your jaws are clenched together, both tooth pain and headaches can result from the stress being applied to the TMJ.

Headaches can be caused by:
- TMJ compression
- TMJ disk dislocation
- Jaw dislocation
- Jaw clenching
- Tooth grinding
- Bite misalignment

Many of these causes of headaches can be treated. Repairs to the TMJ can result in a reduction or elimination of your headaches.

Treatments for TMJ
Depending on the type of health professional from which you seek treatment, there are a number of different ways to deal with TMJ and its symptoms.

TMJ is often misdiagnosed by general medical doctors because the symptoms are so common. Oftentimes medication for headaches will be prescribed while the cause of the headaches remains untreated. If you experience TMJ symptoms, you should consult a dentist. Dentists can provide an accurate diagnosis of TMJ and a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

There are many options for treating TMJ. To relieve the symptoms, many dentists will prescribe mouth guards to prevent tooth grinding and realign the jaw into a proper bite. These measures prevent the pain caused by TMJ symptoms but often do not correct underlying problems.

There are many types of oral surgery, some of which may correct and eliminate TMJ disorders. If your headaches are caused by a misaligned jaw, corrective jaw surgery can place the jaw in a proper position.

Other Symptoms of TMJ

If you experience headaches along with other TMJ symptoms, you should contact an experienced dentist for diagnosis.

The following are common symptoms associated with TMJ:
- Clicking or popping noises in the jaw
- Jaw locked in opened or closed position
- Pain around your ears
- Facial swelling
- Tooth pain
- Humming or ringing in ears

These are just a few of the symptoms associated with TMJ. If you experience persistent headaches, you should seek a dental evaluation to determine if you have TMJ disorder.

For information about TMJ treatment in Washington, D.C., please visit the website of Dr. Daria Hamrah at NOVA SurgiCare (www.novasurgicare.com).

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