Headache and TMJ: Relief at Manhattan Pain Clinic with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a common yet often overlooked cause of chronic headaches and facial pain. If you’re suffering from recurring headaches, jaw discomfort, or facial tension, you might be experiencing TMJ disorder, a condition that affects the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. As a leading expert in TMJ treatment in New York City, Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari and his team at the Manhattan Pain Clinic specialize in helping patients overcome the pain and dysfunction caused by TMJ disorders.
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s Manhattan Pain Clinic offers advanced care for TMJ-related headaches, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatments and personalized care. With years of experience as a TMJ specialist, Dr. Bakhtiari has successfully treated countless patients with TMJ disorder, providing relief for those plagued by TMJ pain and helping them regain their quality of life.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in your ability to chew, speak, and move your jaw. It connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones of your skull, acting like a sliding hinge. When this joint malfunctions or becomes inflamed, it can lead to a variety of symptoms collectively known as TMJ disorder (also referred to as TMD).
TMJ disorder can cause:
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Earaches or a ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Facial tension or pain
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or discomfort while eating
- Locking of the jaw (temporarily unable to open or close the mouth)
While TMJ disorder affects the joint, its impact can extend well beyond the jaw. Many patients experience frequent headaches that are misdiagnosed as migraines, tension headaches, or even sinus issues. At Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s Manhattan Pain Clinic, a comprehensive evaluation can help you understand whether your TMJ might be contributing to your chronic headaches and provide a targeted treatment plan to address the root cause.
TMJ and Headaches: Understanding the Connection
TMJ disorder is often linked to chronic headaches due to the intricate network of muscles, nerves, and bones in the jaw and head region. When the temporomandibular joint is stressed or misaligned, it can place undue tension on nearby muscles, particularly the muscles of the face, neck, and head. This tension can cause pain that radiates from the jaw to the temples, leading to tension headaches or even migraine-like symptoms.
Several factors can contribute to TMJ-related headaches:
- Jaw Misalignment: If your jaw is not properly aligned, it can strain the muscles and ligaments surrounding the TMJ. This imbalance can trigger muscle spasms, leading to tension in the head and neck that manifests as chronic headaches.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Many people with TMJ disorder grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep. This constant pressure on the jaw joint can exacerbate TMJ-related pain and contribute to frequent morning headaches.
- Muscle Tension: The temporalis muscles, which run along the side of the head, are often involved in TMJ-related tension. When these muscles become overworked, they can cause severe headaches that are often mistaken for migraines.
- Nerve Compression: In some cases, TMJ disorder can irritate or compress nerves in the jaw and face. This can trigger referred pain in the form of headaches, as the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation, becomes overstimulated.
- Stress: Psychological stress can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, as stress is often linked to increased muscle tension and teeth clenching. This leads to more frequent headaches and jaw pain.
Diagnosing TMJ Headaches: What to Expect
At Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s Manhattan Pain Clinic, the process of diagnosing TMJ-related headaches begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, symptoms, and a physical examination of your jaw and bite. Dr. Bakhtiari will carefully assess the movement of your jaw, listen for any clicking or popping sounds, and determine whether there is tenderness or discomfort in the TMJ area.
In some cases, further diagnostic tests may be needed, such as:
- Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be recommended to get a clear view of the jaw joint and surrounding structures. These tests can help identify any abnormalities, such as joint degeneration, misalignment, or inflammation.
- Bite Analysis: A bite analysis may be performed to check for improper alignment of the teeth, which could be contributing to your TMJ symptoms and headaches.
- Muscle Palpation: Dr. Bakhtiari may gently palpate the muscles around your jaw, face, and neck to identify areas of tension or spasm that may be triggering your headaches.
Once a diagnosis of TMJ disorder is confirmed, Dr. Bakhtiari will work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses both the TMJ dysfunction and the associated headaches.
Treatment Options for TMJ-Related Headaches
Effective treatment for TMJ-related headaches often involves a combination of approaches tailored to the specific needs of the patient. At Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s Manhattan Pain Clinic, we offer a wide range of treatment options designed to provide relief and long-term improvement. Here are some of the treatments commonly recommended for patients suffering from TMJ headaches:
1. Occlusal Splints (Mouth Guards)
One of the most effective treatments for TMJ disorder is the use of occlusal splints, commonly referred to as mouth guards. These custom-fitted devices are worn at night to prevent teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) and help align the jaw in a more natural position. By reducing the stress on the temporomandibular joint, mouth guards can alleviate tension in the jaw muscles and significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for improving jaw function, reducing muscle tension, and addressing the underlying causes of TMJ pain. A targeted physical therapy program may include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the jaw, improve posture, and increase flexibility in the TMJ region. Techniques such as myofascial release, stretching, and heat/cold therapy can also help alleviate muscle spasms and headaches.
3. Medication
Medications can play an important role in managing TMJ-related headaches and pain. Dr. Bakhtiari may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and relieve pain
- Muscle relaxants to ease muscle tension and prevent spasms
- Tricyclic antidepressants for their pain-relieving properties (in lower doses)
- Botox injections, which can relax overactive muscles and reduce pain in chronic cases
4. Orthodontic Treatment
If an improper bite is contributing to your TMJ disorder, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Braces or other dental appliances can correct misalignments that strain the TMJ, providing long-term relief from jaw pain and headaches. Orthodontic treatment can be especially effective for patients with TMJ pain caused by teeth grinding or jaw misalignment.
5. Stress Management
Since stress is a major contributing factor to TMJ pain and associated headaches, stress management techniques are often an essential part of treatment. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, and mindfulness, can help reduce muscle tension and improve overall well-being. Learning to manage stress effectively can also prevent teeth clenching and grinding, which are common triggers for TMJ-related headaches.
6. Surgery (In Severe Cases)
For severe cases of TMJ disorder that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be considered. Arthroscopy or open-joint surgery can be used to repair or replace damaged tissue in the temporomandibular joint. Surgery is typically a last resort, and Dr. Bakhtiari will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of surgical intervention before proceeding.
Why Choose Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari for TMJ Treatment in New York City?
As a recognized leader in TMJ treatment, Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is known for his expertise in diagnosing and treating complex TMJ disorders. At his Manhattan Pain Clinic, patients receive compassionate care and cutting-edge treatments tailored to their specific needs. Dr. Bakhtiari’s commitment to staying at the forefront of TMJ research ensures that his patients benefit from the latest advancements in treatment.
Here are a few reasons why patients choose Dr. Bakhtiari for their TMJ pain and headache management:
- Expertise: With extensive experience in TMJ treatment, Dr. Bakhtiari has successfully helped patients achieve long-lasting relief from TMJ pain and headaches.
- Personalized Care: Every patient’s condition is unique, and Dr. Bakhtiari takes the time to develop customized treatment plans that address the specific needs and goals of each individual.
- Comprehensive Approach: The Manhattan Pain Clinic offers a wide range of TMJ treatments, including non-invasive options like mouth guards, physical therapy, and medication.
- Patient-Centered: Dr. Bakhtiari prioritizes patient comfort and education, ensuring that patients understand their condition and are actively involved in their treatment plans.
Get Relief from TMJ Headaches Today
What are causes of TMJ Pain?
TMJ can have many different causes. The muscular type of TMJ disorders can be related to overuse of your chewing muscles, muscle knots (trigger points), injury, muscle enlargement, or medical comorbidities. Overuse can occur as a result of eating chewy hard foods, yawning wide, excessive talking, nail biting, and habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth. The joint related type of TMJ can be caused by injury, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, underdevelopment, or disc problems (internal derangement that result in clicking and popping sounds). The pain usually intensifies when the patient is very stressed, sleeps poorly, is anxious/depressed, or suffers from other medical problems. Medical comorbidities can include migraines, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and past injuries to the face, head and jaw. Additionally, TMJ pain can aggravate neck pain, and vice versa. The reason for this is that the nerves that innervate the TMJ and neck directly communicate with one another in the pain centers of the brainstem.
What are the TMJ treatment options?
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.
How is TMJ diagnosed?
TMJ is best diagnosed by a thorough history, interview, and clinical examination. The clinical examination includes the TMJ specialist palpating the musculature, tendons, bones and joints of the jaw. A trained TMJ specialist will also conduct a cranial nerve screening checking for any abnormalities, evaluate your neck, and ask about headaches and sleep problems.
Depending on those findings, Dr. Bakhtiari may request diagnostic imaging (x-rays of the jaw, CT scans, or MRI) and blood tests. Diagnosis of TMJ disorders does not always require advanced and expensive imaging, and never requires expensive gadgets. While these gadgets appear impressive, they have not been shown to be objective or accurate.
Can TMJ cause headaches? Are TMJ and migraines related?
A commonly asked question is whether TMJ can cause headaches or if the two are related. TMJ disorders can cause a category of headaches classified as ‘TMD related headaches’ that are perceived in the temples, in front of the ears, the lower and upper jaws. This type of headache condition tends to be the most intense in the morning when waking up. One of the challenges of TMJ diagnosis is that TMJ can mimic headaches and vice versa. For that reason, some patients who suffer from headaches are incorrectly treated for TMJ (for example with a mouthguard) with little to no improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, any pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution (jaw muscle pain, toothaches, joint pain, sinus issues, etc.) tends to intensify headache symptoms in a patient who is already suffering from a migraine or tension-type headache.
Dr. Bakhtiari has extensive experience and training in diagnosing and treating TMJ and headaches. He will help you determine whether your headache, jaw and facial pain, is due to a migraine, tension-type headache or due to TMJ.
