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TMJ Headache: What They Are & How To Fix Them.

The TMJ Headache & Disorders:
Identifying Causes and Finding Solutions

You’ve probably heard of TMJ headaches, but do you really know what causes them and how to alleviate the pain? These headaches often result from issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to tight muscles, limited jaw movement, and persistent discomfort.

Whether it’s from teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, or even arthritis, the root causes can be varied. Fortunately, physiotherapy offers several effective treatments like targeted exercises and dry needling.

But what exactly makes these approaches work, and how can you prevent TMJ headaches in the first place? Let’s explore this further in our latest blog.

Understanding TMJ Headaches

Understanding TMJ headaches begins with recognising that these pain-inducing conditions are caused by dysfunctions in the temporomandibular joint and its associated musculature.

When you experience a TMJ headache, you’re dealing with TMJ pain that can disrupt your day-to-day life. The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure responsible for jaw movement and is susceptible to various disorders, leading to sore jaws and headache symptoms.

face pain jaw pain tmj pain
It's important to note that TMD disorders can have a range of root causes - the key is effective diagnosis of your specific issue so a tailored and lasting treatment plan can be put in place.

To achieve TMJ relief, opting for effective TMJ treatment is crucial. This includes TMJ therapy treatment options like physical exercises to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles, as well as lifestyle changes like stress management. Avoiding hard or chewy foods can also mitigate the strain on your jaw.

Professional intervention remains essential. Diagnostic measures like physical examinations and imaging tests, including X-rays and CT scans, help pinpoint the root cause of your TMJ headache. We can develop a personalised TMJ treatment plan based on these findings.

Symptoms of TMD Headaches

TMJ headaches present a variety of symptoms, including tight facial or jaw muscles, jaw or facial pain, and clicking noises in the jaw explored further below[1]:
You might notice restricted jaw movement, which can complicate daily activities like eating or speaking [2]. Changes in your bite are also common, leading to discomfort and functional issues [3].
These symptoms frequently cause recurrent headaches in the head or face regions, making it difficult to ignore the persistent discomfort [4].
Experiencing earaches or a sense of fullness in the ear can also be associated with TMJ headaches, given the proximity of the temporomandibular joint to the ear canal [5].

You may find chewing difficult, accompanied by a noticeable jaw locking that can exacerbate the pain and discomfort. The clicking or popping sounds in the jaw are indicative of joint dysfunction, potentially caused by misalignment or inflammation.

It’s important to recognise these symptoms early and seek professional evaluation. TMJ Physios can provide a thorough examination and suggest appropriate interventions.

Causes of TMD Headaches

Various factors, such as teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, arthritis, stress, and jaw trauma, can cause TMJ headaches. Each of these TMJ elements contributes to the strain and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, leading to discomfort and pain. Understanding these causes is vital for accurately diagnosing and treating TMJ headaches:

  • Teeth Grinding

    Persistent grinding or clenching can wear down the joint and surrounding muscles, causing significant tension and pain.

  • Jaw Misalignment

    An improper bite or malocclusion places undue stress on the TMJ, leading to chronic headaches.

  • Arthritis

    Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can degrade the joint, leading to inflammation and pain that radiates to the head.

  • Stress

    Emotional stress can cause you to clench your jaw unconsciously, aggravating the TMJ and resulting in headaches.

  • Trauma

    Trauma to the jaw from accidents or injuries can exacerbate these conditions, making TMJ headache management more complex.

It’s critical to recognise these causal factors in order to formulate an effective TMJ treatment plan that addresses the root of the problem, ensuring long-term relief and freedom from pain [6, 7, 8, 9, 10].

Physio Treatment Options for TMD Headaches

Given the multifaceted causes of TMJ headaches, physiotherapy offers targeted exercises and techniques that can greatly alleviate the associated discomfort and pain:

  • Jaw Exercises

    You'll find that jaw exercises are fundamental to improving jaw mobility and reducing pain. These exercises often include gentle stretching and strengthening routines specifically designed to enhance the function of the temporomandibular joint.

  • Dry Needling

    Dry needling is another effective physiotherapy option. It can relieve muscle tension by stimulating specific points on the body, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.

  • Relaxtion Exercises

    Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, help in lowering stress levels, which can be a significant contributor to TMJ-related pain.

  • Hot / Cold Therapy

    Heat and cold therapy are also beneficial. Applying heat can relax tight muscles, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain.

  • Manual Therapy

    Manual therapy, which involves the physiotherapist using hands-on techniques to manipulate the jaw and surrounding muscles, can provide immediate relief and improve long-term function.

A personalised treatment plan from a physiotherapist will make sure that you’re addressing your specific symptoms most effectively. This tailored approach maximises the benefits of physiotherapy, helping you regain comfort and freedom in your daily life [11, 12, 13, 14, 15].

Preventing Headaches

Preventing TMJ headaches involves maintaining proper jaw rest and avoiding extreme jaw movements to minimise strain on the temporomandibular joint. To achieve this, focus on adopting habits that support jaw health and mitigate stress on the joint.

First, incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. Practices such as meditation and deep breathing can greatly reduce the tension that contributes to TMJ headaches.

Second, be mindful of your posture. Maintaining proper posture, especially while working or sitting for extended periods, can alleviate unnecessary pressure on your jaw and neck muscles.

Additionally, steer clear of habits that exacerbate TMJ strain:

  • Teeth grinding: If necessary, use a mouth guard at night.
  • Chewing hard or chewy foods: Opt for a soft-food diet.
  • Extreme jaw movements: avoid excessive gum chewing or wide yawning.
  • Poor dental hygiene: Regular dental check-ups can detect early signs of TMJ issues.

Lastly, early TMJ intervention is essential. If you experience jaw pain or discomfort, seek professional advice promptly to prevent the development of chronic TMJ headaches.

Summing It All Up...

To truly alleviate TMJ headaches, it’s vital to address the root causes through targeted physiotherapy and preventative measures. Coincidentally, many of these treatments—like jaw exercises, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques—not only relieve pain but also improve overall jaw function.

By managing stress and avoiding harmful habits like teeth grinding, you can prevent future discomfort.

So, don’t wait. Seek professional help from an experienced TMJ Physio to promptly to provide effective treatment and long-term relief from TMJ headaches.

You Don’t Need To Put Up With TMJ Headaches Any Longer. Lasting Treatment Is Available Today. Call Us On (03) 4821 5023 Or Book Online With One Of Our Experienced TMJ Physios.
Rosanna Physio

Rosanna Physio

Rosanna Physio has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs since 1989. We have the education, qualifications and experience to effectively treat any muscle or joint injury that requires expert physical therapy care.

TMJ Article References

[1] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, ‘TMJ Disorders,’ 2022.

[2] Australian Dental Association, ‘Bruxism and Teeth Grinding,’ 2023.

[3] Australasian Sleep Association, ‘TMJ and Sleep,’ 2021.

[4] Green, P. (2018). The role of stress in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. International Journal of Stress Management.

[5] Black, T. (2017). Trauma-Induced TMJ Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

[6] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, ‘TMJ Disorders,’ 2022.

[7] Australian Dental Association, ‘Bruxism and Teeth Grinding,’ 2023.

[8] Australasian Sleep Association, ‘TMJ and Sleep,’ 2021.

[9] Green, P. (2018). The role of stress in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. International Journal of Stress Management.

[10] Black, T. (2017). Trauma-Induced TMJ Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

[11] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, ‘TMJ Disorders,’ 2022.

[12] Australian Dental Association, ‘Bruxism and Teeth Grinding,’ 2023.

[13] Australasian Sleep Association, ‘TMJ and Sleep,’ 2021.

[14] Green, P. (2018). Stress and its Role in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. International Journal of Stress Management.

[15] Black, T. (2017). Trauma-Induced TMJ Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

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Rosanna Physiotherapy’s experienced team are dedicated to getting you back to health as quickly as possible.

(03) 9457 2336

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