Headaches can ruin your day, make it hard to focus and generally put a damper on things. But have you ever thought the culprit behind your throbbing headache may not be because of stress or a sinus infection? The cause might be your jaw.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that allows you to move your jaw up and down, side to side, and forward when you’re eating, talking or yawning. It’s a hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When your TMJ is working normally, you probably don’t give it much thought. However, when things aren’t working properly, it’s called TMJ dysfunction. It’s a pretty common problem that affects an estimated 5% of the population. TMJ dysfunction can cause headaches for up to 77% of people. This is because the jaw’s proximity to the skull and the complex network of muscles and nerves in the head and neck can make it possible for TMJ pain to radiate through the head and cause headaches. How can you tell if your headache is actually coming from your jaw, and can you find relief from the pain? Let’s explore how to tell if your headaches are caused by TMJ dysfunction and a variety of ways that can help you find relief, including physical therapy.
Signs your headaches are caused by TMJ dysfunction
There are many kinds of headaches, but TMJ headaches can come with signs such as:
- Pain around the jaw and ears
- Sounds of clicking or popping when chewing
- Jaw stiffness or pain
- Difficulty opening mouth
- Facial pain
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Bite or teeth alignment changes
- Earaches without an ear infection
- Pressure or fullness feeling in the head
A TMJ dysfunction-related headache can occur in one or more areas of the head and face. It may also feel similar to a tension headache. A TMJ dysfunction-related headache may get worse when you chew, yawn or open your mouth wide.
If you recognize these signs and suspect that TMJ dysfunction may be causing your headaches, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a health care professional. A dentist or doctor who specializes in jaw disorders can give you a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.
Treatment options for headaches caused by TMJ dysfunction
If you’re experiencing headaches linked to TMJ dysfunction, there are a variety of treatment options that can help alleviate your discomfort, including:
- Pain relievers — Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw joint. In more severe cases of TMJ dysfunction headaches, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers or stronger pain relievers to reduce jaw tension and severe pain.
- Heat or cold therapy — Applying a warm compress or an ice pack to your jaw can help soothe discomfort.
- Mouthguards or splints — These custom-made devices help align your jaw and prevent teeth grinding or clenching.
- Physical therapy — Physical therapy can help improve jaw mobility, reduce tension and relieve pain.
Physical therapy for TMJ dysfunction-induced headaches
A beneficial approach to help ease TMJ dysfunction and the headaches it can cause is physical therapy. A physical therapist with experience in treating TMJ-related issues can create a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan intended to alleviate pain and improve jaw function. This plan can also help identify any secondary issues that may be related to your TMJ dysfunction and assess your pain level. Your plan may include physical therapy treatments such as:
- Dry needling — Dry needling is a specialized technique used by a certified practitioner. This technique involves the certified practitioner manually inserting thin, sterile needles into sore spots in your jaw muscles. These sore spots are called trigger points. The needles in the trigger points can help relax the tight muscles and reduce pain. Dry needling sessions may help decrease the frequency and severity of TMJ dysfunction-related headaches.
- Graston Technique® — The Graston Technique uses specialized stainless steel tools to massage your jaw and break up scar tissue. This can help release tension in your jaw muscles and improve blood flow to the area, helping promote healing.
- Joint mobilization — Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique where your physical therapist gently moves your jaw joint to help it move more easily. This technique can help improve the range of motion in your jaw and reduce stiffness.
- Soft tissue mobilization — Soft tissue mobilization is another manual therapy technique. This technique focuses on the muscles and connective tissue in your jaw. Your physical therapist will use gentle, but firm movements to help release tension in the muscles to promote relaxation. This relaxation can help reduce pain and stiffness in the jaw.
- Jaw exercises — Doing special exercises can help strengthen your jaw muscles and improve how your jaw moves. These exercises can be simple, like opening and closing your mouth slowly, or more complex, like moving your jaw from side to side.
- Posture training — Learning to sit and stand up straight can help your whole body, including your jaw. Having good posture helps to distribute your body’s weight evenly and can reduce strain on your jaw joint, which can help reduce TMJ dysfunction headaches.
Forever Fit can be your partner on your path to TMJ dysfunction headache relief
At Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness, we understand the frustration and discomfort headaches can cause. Our compassionate and personalized approach focuses on identifying the underlying root cause of your pain, including TMJ dysfunction. Once the cause is determined, we can create a specialized treatment plan that includes techniques like soft tissue mobilization and jaw exercises. Our experienced physical therapists can work with you to help alleviate your headaches and restore your quality of life. Let us help you find the relief you deserve and get back to enjoying your days.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.