Do you have jaw pain and headache at the same time?
Most of the time, when jaw and head pain occur together, it is due to temporomandibular joint disease or TMJ. This is especially true if you also experience pain in your ear and neck. If this is true, you will need to visit a TMJ specialist for treatment.
But how do you know if your jaw pain and headache are due to TMJ? In this blog, we will explain all about TMJ as well as how pain in the jaw and head are associated with it. Keep reading to learn more!
The Relation Between TMJ & Headaches
Before you ask, yes, TMJ does cause migraines and other intense headaches. Therefore, you may feel pain at the top of your head or at another location due to discomfort in the jaw. In short, jaw pain and headache can indeed be a symptom of TMJ.
So, what exactly leads to headaches and jaw pain with TMJ? Many conditions affect the temporomandibular joint, which might be responsible for the resulting pain. From teeth grinding to hypermobility, any factor could be behind a headache that radiates from the jaw to other regions of your head.
It can be hard to distinguish whether the headache or migraine is due to TMJ or any other reason. You can always visit a healthcare provider to determine the actual cause of your discomfort.
Is My Jaw Pain & Headache Due to TMJ?
Although it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of your headache without examination, some signs will let you know if it is TMJ. Mostly, migraines lead to jaw pain since they extend to the jaw, typically on one side. Still, below, we will list some signs that your jaw pain and headache are due to temporomandibular joint disorder:
1. Pain Following Jaw Movement
Did your jaw and head start hurting after you had something to eat, particularly something crunchy or chewy? Chances are, it may be TMJ. Hence, you will experience jaw pain and headache regardless of the ingredients. In simple terms, TMJ headache is not a food reaction headache, and you will experience it soon after jaw activity.
2. Clenching Teeth
The next time your headache takes place, notice if you were drinking or clenching your teeth after, during, or before the pain. Moreover, a tight or clenched jaw during the headache could be a sign that it is related to TMJ.
3. Conventional Headache Care Does Not Work
If your jaw pain and headache are associated with TMJ, regular and migraine medication may be ineffective. Hence, if your migraine symptoms do not seem to go away even with medication, it might be time to visit your TMJ specialist.
4. Other Symptoms of TMJ
One major giveaway of headache and jaw pain due to the temporomandibular joint is other symptoms of this condition are also present. From popping sounds to jaw stiffness, ringing in ears, or bite issues, indications of TMJ disorder will appear. If this is happening, you may need to talk to your doctor and have a TMJ checkup.
What’s Next?
Your jaw pain and headache might signify TMJ, especially if the pain occurs after jaw movement, medications are ineffective, and more. At Vintage Oral Surgery, we have the tools you need for proper oral care. Talk to us at (281) 800 8852 or drop by at 11620 Louetta Rd. Suite B Houston, Tx 77070.