Many people who suffer from tmj disorder get regular headaches. These headaches may be mistaken for sinus pain or other types of common headaches. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for tmj headache. A skilled therapist will analyze your mouth opening, jaw mobility, and neck/shoulder movement, and address the contributing factors to your TMJ headaches.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is involved in opening and closing your mouth for eating, drinking, laughing, and talking. The TMJ muscles run alongside your jaw and cheeks, and these can sometimes cause pain, including headaches.

Medications

Medications are often prescribed to address TMJ pain. These can include analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sedatives and muscle relaxants. They can be taken orally, or as injections.

The jaw joint, referred to as the TMJ, is a sliding hinge that connects the jaw and skull. TMJ disorders can cause the joint to become irritated or aggravated, leading to headaches. These headaches may feel like migraines and are often misdiagnosed as such.

A neurologist, a specialist in the brain, head and nervous system, can help diagnose TMJ symptoms and headaches by doing a physical exam and taking imaging tests. They can also recommend dietary and behavioral changes. Medications they can prescribe include nerve blocks that interfere with the pain signals and Botox to relax muscles around the jaw. They can also refer patients to other specialists for more advanced treatments. NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed medications for TMJ disorders. Long-term use can lead to gastric ulcers, liver or kidney damage and affect blood clotting. Other medications can interact with NSAIDs, such as ACE inhibitors and loop diuretics.

Physical Therapy

If you have pain when chewing, eating or moving your jaw and are experiencing clicking or popping noises, your symptoms may be caused by TMJ dysfunction. This is a common condition that affects the hinge-like joint connecting the upper and lower jaw. TMJ dysfunction can occur due to a number of factors. This includes poor alignment of the teeth, clenching/grinding of the teeth, or a fracture of the TMJ.

Using manual techniques including soft tissue manipulation and jaw stretching exercises, your therapist will help improve the movement of your jaw joint and relieve muscle tension in the face, head, neck, and shoulders. Your therapist will also educate you on the nature of your TMJ pain and teach you self-management strategies.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances can dramatically improve TMD symptoms like jaw pain, teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism), earaches, clicking or popping noises, limited range of motion, and headaches by stabilizing the jaw in a comfortable position, alleviating muscle strain, and improving chewing function. In addition, these devices can protect against tooth wear, improve sleep quality by reducing snoring and sleep apnea, and promote facial aesthetics.

Occlusal splints – also known as bite splints – are custom-fabricated appliances that help alleviate TMD pain by repositioning the jaw into a balanced position to relieve joint and muscle strain. Unlike over-the-counter splints which are fabricated from generic materials and rarely fit well, custom appliances are made to the specific anatomy of each patient.

During the oral appliance process, your dentist will take impressions and record your bite to create a customized appliance for you. Then, during your appointment, your dental professional will ensure the appliance is fitted properly and comfortably. In addition, regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress and make adjustments to your appliance as needed.

Diet

A diet that focuses on soft foods can greatly reduce the stress placed on your TMJ. This includes foods like applesauce, yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, blended soups, and cooked vegetables. It is also important to eat anti-inflammatory foods like fish, leafy greens, turmeric, and ginger. Antioxidants and nutrients like magnesium, melatonin, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can also help relieve symptoms.

TMJ symptoms are often caused by clenching and grinding your jaw or teeth. These are common habits that can be caused by stress, anxiety, or other factors. In order to avoid these triggers, it is recommended that you chew your food slowly and do not take large bites. In addition, you should cut up your fruits and veggies before eating them whole. You should also avoid consuming foods high in saturated fats, and instead opt for lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Lastly, you should avoid refined sugars in favor of natural sweeteners like fruit.