How is the temporomandibular joint, TMJ for short, associated with headaches? The connection is strong, and stress is contributing. Let’s cover what the TMJ is, its relationship to headaches, provide samples of TMJ exercises, and how to find TMJ headache relief.
What is the temporomandibular joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the jaw joint that allows one’s mouth to open and close. It is integrally involved in talking, drinking, chewing, laughing, and singing in the shower! It is one of the most active joints in the body.
Most people don’t notice the jaw muscles, bones, and tendons, working in coordination until something goes wrong.
Jaw clenching, a common cause of TMJ pain, is highly correlated with stress. Clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) are often not consciously noticed by people and can happen all day and night.
The pain associated with TMJ can be debilitating. The types/location of pain resulting from the TMJ vary, but headaches are a common endpoint of TMJ disorders.
TMJ vs. TMD - What is the difference?
TMJ is the more common term but TMD is the official terminology
Temporomandibular disorders, abbreviated TMD, refer to any dysfunction in the joint itself. TMJ is the abbreviation for the joint itself. The terms TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably.
The correct medical terminology for problems at the joint is TMD. Because the term most familiar to readers is TMJ, I will use “TMJ” in this article. But your doctor may use the term TMD.
The causes of TMJ pain and TMD can be complicated. All joints are constructed with bone, muscles, and tendons. Being free from pain is dependent on all these components working correctly and eliminating inflammation. Issues with any part of the mechanics can result in problems.
Risk Factors For TMJ Problems
These behaviors or factors put you at risk for TMJ disorders
- Teeth grinding
- Injury
- Structural changes such as missing teeth or improper alignment of dental appliances, crowns, etc.
- Recent dental work-holding mouth open for prolonged periods
- Emotional factors (stress, anxiety, depression)
- A learned response to pain
- Nutritional deficiencies ( Ca, Mag, Vitamin D)
- Food sensitivities
- Excessive estrogen (1, 2).
- A pandemic ( due to stress, increased computer use) * (3)
- Infection
- Arthritis/inflammation
- An overbite
- Certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis (4).
*An increasingly common reason for TMJ pain is a strained head position while using a computer for prolonged periods. The strained ergonomics of holding your head too high or low may be one reason for the rise in TMJ disorders seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the added stress is not helping.
Stress ( more teeth grinding) + Prolonged Computer Use = ↑ risk for TMJ problems
Related Article Here: Magnesium Deficiency And Headaches
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms aren’t always jaw pain
- Jaw pain, mild to severe -typically most common in the morning or early afternoon due to nighttime grinding
- Headaches
- Pain in the eyes, face, shoulder, neck, back
- Earaches or ringing in the ears/tinnitus
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
- Limited mouth motion-inability to open the mouth completely
- Clenching or grinding of the teeth
- Dizziness
- Sensitive teeth without oral health disease
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
TMJ headache symptoms
Headaches are a common symptom of TMJ dysfunction
TMJ headaches may feel like a tension headache, but headache symptoms vary from person to person. Pain often results from tight neck muscles in the neck or jaw due to grinding or may be referred from the jaw itself. Head position, as mentioned above, may also play a role.
The timing of the headache depends on the cause. If grinding is the underlying reason, the headache may begin or worsen in the middle of the night or morning. If it is due to computer use and head position, it will increase as the day goes on. If inflammation is the culprit , timing would depend on the reason for the inflammation.
TMJ headache relief
TMJ headache relief and treatment
Stress Management
Stress management is often a key component of treatment. Under stress, tension is held in the body, including the jaw muscles. Clenching the jaw throughout the day or grinding teeth at night may contribute to continued TMJ headaches (5). Addressing stress can help someone find TMJ headache relief.
Like any other muscle pain, medications and an ice pack or heat may offer TMJ headache relief. Prevention of recurring TMJ pain lies in seeking and addressing the root cause whenever possible.
Acupuncture
The research using acupuncture for TMJ relief is limited but encouraging. Acupuncture has been used for TMJ pain of various root causes, with benefits seen in as little as two visits (6). Acupuncture treatment can reduce pain and swelling by increasing blood circulation to the TMJ muscles (7).
Physical therapy
Physical therapists are highly trained practitioners who care for a wide range of conditions. A physical therapist can help by teaching exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw. It is best to find a specialist. A general physical therapist may not have significant experience with TMJ disorders.
To find a specialist: Physical Therapists who specialize in TMJ disorders
Dental and orthodontic treatments
Dentists and orthodontists do evaluations for the cause of TMJ problems. They also provide treatment. Evaluation typically involves specialized X-rays and physical assessments. They can also help realign the jaw if muscle tightness has caused misalignment.
They may also make/fit a mouthguard to help with your TMJ pain. Mouthguards help prevent teeth grinding while you sleep but do not always alleviate all symptoms.
There are several types of guards, so a dentist may try more than one before finding the best fit to relieve pain. Custom-made guards are typically most effective but can be expensive. Particular health insurance plans will cover the cost. Check with your provider to determine your coverage.
When possible, seek out a dentist specifically trained to treat TMJ disorders. Dentists specializing in orofacial pain typically treat TMJ disorders.
Osteopathic Doctors Specializing In Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopathic doctors (DO) can do specific training in manipulation techniques to treat TMJ. Results can be incredible. Find an osteopath near me. Not all osteopaths train in manipulation for TMJ, so you will have to ask (8).
Related Article Here: Osteopathic Medicine; What Is A D.O. ?
Massage therapy or chiropractic care
If your TMJ pain is caused by muscle tightness, you may find relief working with a massage therapist or chiropractor. Tight muscles in the neck and shoulders might be contributing to symptoms. A massage can help reduce stress and loosen tense muscles.
TMJ exercises for TMJ symptom relief
TMJ exercises can relieve symptoms and may reduce the recurrence of TMJ pain and TMJ headaches.
Your TMJ specialist can work with you to create a treatment plan to find TMJ headache relief. Exercises are often a key component of treatment and with persistence and regular practice can provide significant relief.
TMJ exercises stretch and relax the jaw, may reduce clicking and improve range of motion.
There are multiple videos for TMJ exercises available. See Bob and Brad’s YouTube video of TMJ exercises below. They have a great channel for different physical therapy exercises. This will get you started!
Additional TMJ integrative/holistic therapies
- Mind-body techniques: meditation, breathing exercises
- Physical exercise- to decrease stress and aid mood
- Diet: anti-inflammatory diet choices, low to no sugar, predominantly plant based foods
- Adequate hydration
- Community-being part of a group that fits your needs can lower stress levels
- Supplements-magnesium, GABA, inositol, lavender. Please talk to your provider for details.
TMJ specialists and TMJ Integrative Specialists
If possible, seek out a TMJ specialist
TMJ can be managed by doctors, dentists, neurologists, ENT doctors, and integrative/holistic TMJ specialists. A quick online search can find the closest practitioner.
If you are struggling with TMJ headaches, I hope that you feel better soon. Find a practitioner who has experience with successfully treating those with TMD so that you may find an effective treatment as quickly as possible.
Summary
Take Home Points
- TMJ pain can be severe and cause lost work and decreased quality of life
- Headaches are a common result of TMJ problems
- Treatments are available and can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms
- Pain Medication may be needed temporarily but long-term management other forms of treatment are preferred
- Specialists are available to help. It is worth a drive if you do not have a specialist close to you