TMJ Headaches: Recognize, Treat & Prevent Jaw-Related Pain
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), commonly known as TMJ dysfunction, affects millions of people worldwide and is a frequent cause of jaw pain and headaches. TMJ headaches can be frustrating, often accompanied by sleep disturbances, difficulty chewing, and even speech problems. Understanding how to recognize, treat, and prevent TMJ-related pain is essential for improving quality of life. What Are TMJ Headaches? TMJ headaches occur due to problems with the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint or surrounding muscles experience dysfunction or hypermobility (excessive movement), it can lead to pain that radiates to the head and neck. People with TMJ dysfunction often describe TMJ head pain as a dull, throbbing ache around the temples, ears, or jawline. Recognizing the Symptoms Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include: Jaw pain or tenderness Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth Difficulty chewing or d...