The second most prevalent cause of persistent pain is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). It makes eating and talking difficult, if not impossible, and frequently causes headaches.

When your TMJ is misdiagnosed as a headache, you’ll continue to treat it as such. You may feel better for a while, but the pain will return if the root of the problem isn’t treated.

We have years of expertise at Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics in Seattle, WA, getting to the root of your problem and helping you finally find relief from TMJ.

TMJ and headaches have a strong link

TMJ jaw pain is frequently misdiagnosed as tension or migraine headache. In example, one study discovered that TMJ-related headaches were misdiagnosed as tension headaches in 31% of the patients studied.

Why are the two so easily mixed up? Because the jaw joint has a direct muscle connection to the rest of your skull.

A broad, fan-shaped muscle that covers either side of your head is one of the key muscles that moves your jaw. Your cheeks also have muscles that are connected to the temporomandibular joint. Due to difficulties with your jaw joints, these muscles become stiff, knotted, or injured, putting a lot of stress on your head and causing headaches.

TMJ and headaches are influenced by the way your teeth connect when you bite down. Stress is put on the jaw when you have misplaced teeth that generate an uneven bite. The stress can sometimes be enough to throw the joints out of alignment.

This aberrant pressure and movement in your jaw joint affects your muscles, resulting in headache pain.

TMJ and headaches are not the same thing

There are a few symptoms that indicate your headache is originating in your jaw rather than being a legitimate headache.

For starters, pain in the jaw does not induce the same symptoms as migraine headaches, such as nausea and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell.

The following are symptoms that are specific to TMJ and do not appear when your discomfort is caused by a real headache:

• When you open your mouth, there is no pain or popping.
• Having a hard time chewing
• Earaches cause pain when eating
• Jaw is clenched (difficult or impossible to open or close your mouth)
• Tenderness or pain in the jaw or temporomandibular joint

When you have persistent pain or your jaw locks, it’s time to visit Dr. David Buck for a complete examination to establish the source of your discomfort.

Cure Headaches with TMJ Help in Washington

Dr. Buck is a facial and epigenetic orthopedist based in the state of Washington. Dr. Buck, and his fellow ENT physicians and pulmonologists, by combining their expertise, help patients find relief from TMJD. With Dr. Buck and his team, relief from the severity and alleviate symptoms of TMJD is possible. For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, please schedule an appointment by giving us a call today at 425-361-7499. Additionally, one may contact us by filling out our online form.