Headaches are a common symptom of TMD, especially if the headaches are frequent.
Headaches are experienced by nearly everyone, whether they happen occasionally or frequently. The severity of headaches can range from an annoying nagging pain to excruciating, and a person may experience varying levels of pain with each headache.
If you suffer from frequent headaches, have you ever considered they could be occurring due to a TMJ Disorder? If you are experiencing other symptoms associated with TMD it’s a good time to start.
For instance, symptoms associated with a TMJ Disorder include:
- Popping or clicking with the movement of the jaw
- Jaw pain or pressure when chewing
- Pain in or around the ear
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Limited ability to open mouth wide
- Jaw fatigue
- Neck pain or stiffness
What you should do next:
Pain medication, steroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs should only be used on a temporary basis while diagnosing and treating this disorder. The ultimate goal is to restore the TMJ structures to the healthiest position possible. Treating structures appropriately from a detailed diagnostic perspective is key.
Therefore, you should seek evaluation and advice from an experienced professional in the field. In fact, dentists and physicians are trained differently and focus on the jaw joint limited. Most professionals have to take TMJ courses after they have already graduated from college, so you won’t find many TMJ specialists.
If you need a place to start, I have spent the majority of my practice treating TMJ Disorders and Sleep Breathing Disorders and can evaluate your headaches, neck pain, and other symptoms you are experiencing. Call my office at 931-551-3351 for more information about setting up a consultation.
Yours for better health,
Dr. Christine R. Wenrick
