Although there are many types of headaches, every headache can be put into 1 of 2  categories:

1. Primary headaches happen when the headache is just that: an ache in the head.
2. Secondary headaches result from an underlying condition that triggers inflammation of pain-sensitive areas in the neck and head.

Did you know that secondary headaches are commonly associated with TMJ syndromes? Headache occurs more frequently in patients with TMD (tempormandibular joint disorder). Because the jaw joint shares a direct connection with the muscles in your head, it can be tricky to distinguish between a primary and secondary headache caused by a misaligned TMJ. So, answer these five questions to differentiate between a typical headache and a symptom of TMD.

1. Where does your pain originate?

Primary headaches start in the head. On the other hand, headaches induced TMD are due to the inflammation and swelling in the temporomandibular joint spreading to other muscle and ligament tissues in the jaw area. As the inflammation travels, jaw muscles tighten and spasm. 

Consequently, pain around the skull, face, and neck regions can occur.

2. Are you under significant stress?

Sometimes, high-stress levels are powerful enough to force the jaw joints out of alignment.

When you’re feeling stressed, you might clench your jaw or grind your teeth excessively (during the day and when you’re asleep). Even though this bruxism habit might appear innocent, it can lead to: 

• Eroded dental surfaces
• Cracked teeth
• TMD

3. Are you experiencing sensitivity to touch, light, sounds, or smells?

Migraines result in intense, throbbing head pain and make your nerves so sensitive that even the slightest sensations can feel painful. Specifically, up to 80% of migraine suffers experience photophobia (light sensitivity).

During a migraine episode, your brain fires chemicals that cause the nerve endings surrounding the brain to transmit signals to your CNS (central nervous system), and that can give rise to the throbbing headache you feel.

When those neurotransmitters persistently fire for over an hour, your nerves turn hypersensitive. Even familiar feelings, like a pat on your head or the smell of perfume, can feel uncomfortable.

4. Does your jaw feel tense or difficult to move?

When your tempormandibular joint becomes tense and knotted, these jaw joints can place significant stress on your head (which feels like headaches). Check if you feel knots along your jaw or if your jaw locks or pops when you open your mouth.

5. Are your teeth straight?

Contrary to popular belief, orthodontics is not solely for aesthetics. If your teeth are misaligned or crooked, you can experience TMJ discomfort. Consequently, one side of the mouth might have a more powerful biting force than the other. Sometimes, an imbalance can make one side of the mouth work harder to stabilize the bite. All this extra strain and pressure can be partly responsible for pain in the jaw and the surrounding muscles. 

Get Proper Treatment for TMJ in Atlanta, GA

TMJ disorders can impact daily life. At Smiles for Grant Park, Dr. Abbey J. Lee customizes TMJ treatment based on the source and severity of your symptoms, such as:

• Lifestyle changes that can relax and stretch the facial muscles or reduce daily stress
• Prescribing an oral appliance or Invisalign® clear aligners
• Referring you to an oral surgeon to repair a degenerated joint or drain excess joint fluid

If you suffer from headaches due to TMD, you don’t have to suffer any longer. Call 404-328-7177 or message us online right away.