Got Migraines? It Could Be TMJ

Joint May Contribute to Severe Headaches

Many dentists have found that the source of some patients persistent, severe headaches may be due to harm caused by the temporomandibular joint.

There is little understanding about what causes TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome. While many patients have clenching or grinding of the teeth at night, others may have had trauma, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Many times the cause is unknown. For those with migraine headaches, the constant clenching of the jaw causes muscle spasms in the temples, which then leads to a migraine.

Symptoms of TMJ

Headaches and facial pain: Approximately 80% of those with TMJ complain of a headache, and half of those complain of facial pain that worsens while opening and closing the jaw. Similarly, many who seek appropriate treatment for TMJ find a significant decrease in headaches.

Vertigo (dizziness): About 40% of people with TMJ experience a mild form of dizziness or imbalance.

Issues with ears: One of the most common issues associated with TMJ is ear trouble, including ear pain, a feeling of ear fullness or ringing in the ears. These problems are often resolved once the TMJ is successfully treated.

Difficulty chewing and eating: Because the consistent tightness of the joint can cause it to lock, those with TMJ may find it difficult to get their mouths open far enough to take a bite of food. Even those who don’t have an issue opening their mouths may have trouble chewing due to the tightness of the joint.

Tooth pain and other dental issues: Since those with TMJ often either clench their teeth or grind their teeth, tooth pain can be very common. Severe tooth grinding (bruxism) can cause a loss of tooth enamel over time.