Understanding Headache From TMJ: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Introduction
Headaches are a common ailment that can significantly impact daily life, reducing productivity and overall quality of life. While there are many causes of headaches, one often overlooked source is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ headaches can be particularly debilitating, but understanding their origin and how to address them can lead to effective relief. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a renowned TMJ specialist, provides comprehensive TMJ treatment to alleviate TMJ pain and associated headaches. This blog explores the connection between TMJ disorders and headaches, symptoms, and available treatment options.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, located in front of each ear. This joint allows for the movements necessary for chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that cause dysfunction and pain in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
Several factors can contribute to the development of TMJ disorders, including:
- Injury: Trauma to the jaw or head can damage the TMJ or the muscles controlling jaw movement.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ.
- Bruxism: Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, often due to stress, can strain the TMJ.
- Misalignment: Misaligned teeth or jaw can cause improper biting, leading to TMJ strain.
- Genetics: Some individuals may be predisposed to TMJ disorders due to genetic factors.
How TMJ Disorders Cause Headaches
TMJ disorders can cause headaches through several mechanisms:
- Muscle Strain: TMJ disorders often involve muscle strain and tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. This tension can spread to the head, resulting in tension headaches.
- Nerve Irritation: The TMJ is located near several major nerves. Inflammation or dysfunction of the TMJ can irritate these nerves, leading to pain that radiates to the head.
- Referred Pain: TMJ disorders can cause referred pain, where pain is felt in a different location from its source. This means TMJ pain can be perceived as a headache.
Symptoms of TMJ-Related Headaches
TMJ-related headaches can be challenging to diagnose because they share symptoms with other types of headaches. However, specific signs can indicate a TMJ-related origin:
- Jaw Pain: Pain in the jaw, particularly near the TMJ, is a primary indicator.
- Ear Pain or Fullness: TMJ disorders can cause ear pain or a sensation of fullness due to the joint’s proximity to the ear.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Sounds when opening or closing the mouth can indicate TMJ dysfunction.
- Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty or discomfort when opening or closing the mouth.
- Facial Pain: Pain radiating from the jaw to the face, neck, or shoulders.
- Chewing Difficulty: Pain or discomfort while chewing.
Diagnosis of TMJ-Related Headaches
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari employs a comprehensive approach to diagnosing TMJ-related headaches:
- Medical History: A thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of jaw injury, arthritis, or bruxism.
- Physical Examination: A detailed examination of the jaw, neck, and head, assessing pain points, joint sounds, and range of motion.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to view the TMJ and surrounding structures.
Treatment Options for TMJ-Related Headaches
Effective TMJ treatment can alleviate headaches and improve overall quality of life. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari offers a range of treatments tailored to each patient’s specific needs:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants can reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
- Physical Therapy: Specialized exercises can strengthen jaw muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle tension. Physical therapy can also include techniques such as ultrasound or heat/cold therapy.
- Dental Appliances: Custom-made splints or mouthguards can help reduce teeth grinding and correct bite alignment, easing TMJ strain.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques, dietary changes, and avoiding excessive jaw movements (like chewing gum) can help manage symptoms.
- Trigger Point Injections: Injections of anesthetic or corticosteroids into trigger points can provide relief from muscle pain and tension.
Surgical Treatments
In severe cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgical interventions may be necessary. These include:
- Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts from the TMJ.
- Arthroscopy: A surgical procedure using a small camera to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders.
- Open-Joint Surgery: In rare cases, open-joint surgery may be required to repair or replace the TMJ.
Preventing TMJ-Related Headaches
Preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing TMJ-related headaches:
- Good Posture: Maintaining good posture can reduce strain on the jaw and neck muscles.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can reduce stress and associated bruxism.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to the dentist can help identify and address dental issues that may contribute to TMJ disorders.
- Avoid Overuse: Limiting activities that overwork the jaw, such as chewing gum or biting nails, can prevent TMJ strain.
Conclusion
TMJ disorders can be a significant source of headaches, but understanding the connection and seeking appropriate treatment can lead to substantial relief. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a leading TMJ specialist, offers comprehensive TMJ treatment to address TMJ pain and its associated symptoms. By identifying the underlying causes and employing tailored treatment plans, patients can experience improved quality of life and reduced headache frequency. If you suspect your headaches may be related to TMJ disorders, consider consulting with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari to explore your treatment options and embark on the path to relief.
About Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a board-certified TMJ and Oral Facial Pain specialist. He focuses his practice on TMJ disorders, oral pain, facial pain and associated headaches. He treats patients in New York City. His practice is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan three blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
- Treasurer and Committee Chair, NYU Dentistry Alumni Association
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Chair of Membership Committee, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Dr. Nojan shares his in-depth knowledge of the TMJ, oral and facial pain as Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He taught for 5 years at Yale-New Haven Hospital as a clinical attending and course director. He is one of very few diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
As an expert in the field, he has been invited to lecture at New York University, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York State Dental Association, Woodhull Hospital, Lincoln Medical Center, and numerous dental societies and conferences (including Greenwich and Stamford Dental Societies, New Haven Dental Association, Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, New England Dental Society Annual Meeting).
What are treatment options offered by Dr. Nojan?
Dr. Nojan offers the best and advanced treatment options available for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and headaches. Treatments offered by Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari are personalized to you when looking to know more about inflammation of the jaw, and may include:
- Oral appliance therapy (custom mouthguards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections
- Trigger point injections for muscle pain
- Nerve blocks
- Steroid injections for TMJ joint and tendons
- Botox for TMJ, nerve pain, jaw pain and headaches
- Therapeutic ointments and medication for oral, facial and TMJ pain
Overview of Treatments for TMJ, Facial Pain and Oral Pain
Dr. Nojan offers the most advanced and evidence-based treatment options for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and related headaches.
“Don’t leave TMJ and orofacial pain treatments to guesswork.”
Treatments will always be personalized to you, your condition and your treatment approach preferences. We understand that some patients do not like taking medications, while others are afraid of needles, or have life-styles that prevent them from wearing a bite guard. Learn more about what happens at your first visit with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP. For that reasons, we offer the full range of treatment options and learning about inflammation of the jaw while also including:
- Oral appliance therapy(comfortable and custom bite guards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections(such as trigger point muscle injections, nerve blocks, and botox®), PRP
- Steroid injections jaw joint (TMJ) and associated tendons
- Compounded Topical Pain Medications and mouth rinses
- Jaw stretching exercises and physical therapy modalities
TMJ Treatment options vary depending on the individual suffering from TMJ and the specifics of their condition. Since TMJ/TMD can affect the musculature, tendons, bones and joint of the jaw, a thorough examination and diagnosis is paramount prior to initiating any treatment. Treatments include therapeutic injections of muscles and the joints, custom fabricated orthotics (also called splints, mouth guards, nightguards or occlusal guards), medications, creams, botox©, jaw stretching exercises, and physical therapy.
TMJ therapies should never include grinding down of otherwise healthy teeth. It is ill-advised to suggest to a patient that grinding of their otherwise healthy natural teeth is related to the TMJ pain they are perceiving. This treatment philosophy of “correcting the bite”, by either grinding down teeth (occlusal adjustments), restoring teeth with crowns, or moving teeth with braces or invisalign©, has been debunked in the dental and scientific literature.
What to expect at your first visit to our office
At your first visit to our office, Dr. Bakhtiari and his team will thoroughly examine your jaw, face, TMJ, bite and mouth. He will determine the source and cause of your discomfort, and devise a customized treatment solution that will work for you to help with inflammation of the jaw.
The initial consultation includes:
- Review of your medical history
- Detailed evaluation of your pain, discomfort and/or other symptoms
- Cranial nerve screening
- Muscle palpation of the muscles of your jaw, head and neck
- TMJ evaluation: evaluating the health of your jaw joints including their range of motion, tenderness and any clicking/popping sounds
- Additional imaging if necessary: X-rays, panoramic, CT scans, MRIs
- Additional testing as needed: diagnostic topical anesthetics, muscle and nerve blocks, blood tests