3 Strong Indicators That TMD Is Causing A Person’s Headaches

Suffering from headaches seems ubiquitous with just being a person. But just how widespread are regular headaches? The World Health Organization sites the number of people who’ve suffered from a headache within the last year to around 50 to 75 percent. So what’s causing them? One explanation is TMD. Here are three strong indicators that the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is causing a person’s headaches.

1. Headaches Occurring After Jaw Activity

What is “jaw activity?” Anytime you engage in a motion that requires exertion of the jaw joint: yawning, chewing, singing, etc. If a person’s normal headaches usually follow these kinds of activities, chances are the TMJ may be playing a role. 

Wouldn’t that just make someone’s jaw hurt not their head? Not necessarily. TMJ disorder or TMD is relatively well known for displacing pain. Because the face is such an intricate network of bones, nerves, and muscles pain in one easily cascades to another without someone even realizing it. 

2. Teeth Clenching Before, During, or After Headaches

Let’s start with teeth clenching before headaches. If clenching is a regular habit for someone, they’re likely overexerting their jaw joint and muscles by putting extra strain on the location. From there that excessive pressure on the joint causes pain that can radiate beyond the jaw and lead to headaches. 

Clenching during or after headaches shows a tendency to cope with pain and stress by tightening muscles which is a strong indicator of an overworked parasympathetic nervous system and the likelihood of a TMJ disorder. 

3. Headaches Accompanied by Jaw Pain, Clicking, or Restricted Movement

Jaw pain, clicking, and restricted movement are all typical symptoms of a dysfunctional jaw joint. When headaches are accompanied by one of these three symptoms it demonstrates a correlation between sets of symptoms and may suggest the root cause is TMD.

What to Do Next

If you suffer from regular headaches that are closely tied to one of the warning signs above, you may be experiencing the effects of TMJ disorder. For more information about TMD or to speak with a doctor about treatment options, call Dr. Buck today at 425-361-7499 to schedule an appointment.