The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most active joints in our body. It’s involved in opening and closing our mouth when we eat, drink, talk, laugh, chew, or sing in the shower. Unfortunately, this active joint can become strained and inflamed, leading to headaches. Often, the pain from TMJ is felt in the muscles that run alongside our cheeks and jaws, but sometimes, this pain can spread to other parts of the head and face. Symptoms of this include headaches, jaw clicking or popping, facial tightness, and asymmetry in the alignment of the jaws.

In some cases, a tmj headache disorder can also cause migraines, which are throbbing headaches that have additional symptoms such as nausea and blurred vision. In fact, TMJ migraines are often mistaken for tension headaches, and the two conditions may be linked to each other. Luckily, as a neuromuscular dentist who offers TMJ treatment in Noblesville and Chicago, I can help patients understand this connection, find relief from their TMJ headaches, and prevent migraines that are associated with them.

Top Sleep Apnea Treatments to Help You Sleep Better

To relieve TMJ headaches, we typically recommend lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. We also encourage gentle stretching exercises to ease built-up stress in the jaw muscles and facial muscles, as well as to improve circulation. In addition, we can provide medications to manage TMJ headache pain and reduce inflammation. These can include analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and tricyclic antidepressants. Lastly, we can offer neuromuscular treatments such as TENS and ultrasound therapy to ease the pain and relax the muscles around the jaw.