Here's what you need to know

Have you been dealing with persistent headaches but can’t seem to get to the root of the problem? It might be time to consider whether or not your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be a contributing factor. Here’s a brief overview: TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. TMJ disorder occurs when there is an issue with the joint or surrounding muscles or ligaments. Common signs include pain in the jaw area, popping sounds when moving the jaw, difficulty chewing, and the feeling that your jaw "gets stuck".

Headaches may be linked to TMJ problems due to overuse or strain from grinding teeth or clenching jaws. There are no single tests that can tell if headaches are related to the jaw. Relief from TMJ headaches can be achieved through relaxation techniques, applying a compress, taking anti-inflammatory medication, massaging muscles around the jaw and neck, practicing good posture, and wearing a mouth guard while sleeping. Professional help should be sought if you have been experiencing TMJ symptoms or headaches. You are welcome to speak to our TMJ specialist, Dr. Benjamin Polan, in Beverly, MA.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what TMJ is, how it functions, and if there is any link between TMJ and headaches.

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint is on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. This joint connects your lower jawbone (mandible) to your skull and enables you to open and close your mouth as well as move it side-to-side. As its name suggests, it is a joint, which means that a disc of cartilage actually cushions it while allowing for normal movement. 

What is a TMJ disorder?

A TMJ disorder occurs when there is an issue with the temporomandibular joint or surrounding muscles and ligaments. Common signs of a TMJ disorder include pain in the jaw area, clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw, difficulty chewing, or a feeling that your jaw "gets stuck." Some people with TMJ disorders also have headaches, neck pain, or even tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears.

The exact cause of a TMJ disorder is not always clear. In some cases, it may be due to overuse or strain from grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw muscles.

Can TMJ cause headaches?

When the muscles in this area become strained—due to grinding teeth or clenching your jaw—their ineffectiveness could lead to pain in the face, neck, shoulders, and even headaches! So if you have been experiencing any kind of chronic pain around these areas, it might be time to talk with Dr. Polan about what’s going on with your TMJ. If you speak with our TMJ Specialist in Beverly, MA, he may recommend oral appliance therapy, physical therapy, or medications to help reduce pain and inflammation caused by TMJ problems. Still, if none of the other treatments work, you might have to have surgery. Again, this is a last resort that should only be done by a trained professional. However, Dr. Polan rarely sends patients to surgery because of his conservative treatment options.

How can I tell if my TMJ causes my headache?

Unfortunately, there is no single test that can tell us if our headaches are related to our jaws or not. However, there are signs that may indicate that your headache has something to do with your jaw, including frequent headaches or migraines; clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth; facial pain; neck stiffness; dizziness; earaches; ringing in the ears; and shoulder or neck tension. If you experience any combination of these symptoms, then it would be wise for you to discuss them with Dr. Polan.

How to get relief from TMJ headaches at home:

1. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises to help relax the muscles in your jaw, neck and head.
2.  Apply a cold or warm compress to the painful area to reduce pain and inflammation.
3.  Massage the muscles around your jaw and neck to relieve tension and stiffness.
4. Avoid chewing gum, crunchy foods, and hard candy to prevent further aggravation of your jaw and neck muscles.
5. Try to practice good posture by keeping your head in line with your shoulders when sitting or standing.
6. Take an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen to help reduce inflammation and pain.
7.  Wear a night guard or splint while you sleep to prevent teeth grinding or clenching which can lead to TMJ headaches.
8. Consider talking to your doctor about physical therapy or relaxation tapes for additional relief from TMJ headaches.

These simple steps can help provide relief from TMJ headaches at home. With the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, you can find relief from TMJ headaches in no time.

If you haven’t already done so, we highly recommend making an appointment with us. We have years of experience treating conditions related to the temporomandibular joint, including headaches and jaw pain.

They will likely recommend some physical exams as well as review any x-rays or scans to be done in order to diagnose potential causes for your headache(s) caused by TMJ Keep in mind that while a link has been established between TMJ dysfunction and headaches or migraines, further research still needs to be done in order to determine exactly how this relationship works! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you think there might be something wrong with your jaw joints!