Migraines and Earaches? It Might Be TMJ

When you think about TMJ, you may picture extreme pain in the jaw. Difficulty eating, discomfort, and popping noises are all common symptoms of TMJ. However, TMJ also causes pain in other areas around the face, including earaches and causing migraine-like headaches. If you get frequent earaches and migraines, you may be suffering from TMJ. Keep reading to learn more about how TMJ can affect your face and where to get expert TMJ treatment in Modesto.

Understanding TMJ

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. “TMDs” refers to the disorders, and “TMJ” refers only to the temporomandibular joint itself. People have two TMJs, one on each side of the jaw. You can feel them by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth.

Injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint can lead to some TMDs, but in most cases, the exact cause is not clear. For many people, symptoms seem to start without obvious reason. Recent research suggests a combination of genes, psychological and life stressors, and how someone perceives pain may play a part in why a TMD starts and whether it will be long-lasting. Because TMDs are more common in women than in men, researchers are exploring whether the differences in TMJ structure and mechanics between females and males may play a role.

The Link Between Earaches, Migraines, and TMJ

All facial muscles are interconnected, and when one or more of them are thrown off, it will affect the rest of the face. When the TMJ muscles are not working properly, the strain put on the other muscles to support the weak ones is put into overdrive. They are not designed to be this way, so pain and discomfort will quickly come, and TMJ treatment may be required.

TMJ is a difficult condition to treat in that everyone has a different root cause. Whether it is from injury, dental issues, or just the natural anatomy of the face, seeking the cause and correcting it is the only way to help an individual’s symptoms. Some very common symptoms of TMJ include migraine-like headaches, earaches, and tinnitus.

TMJ Treatment with Toshi Hart, Dental Sleep Medicine

If you suffer from migraine-like headaches and ear pain, you may have TMJ issues. Luckily, treatment is available to help relieve you of your symptoms and stop the pain. With proper diagnosis and treatment, TMD can be effectively managed or eliminated, reducing pain and discomfort and improving quality of life.

Additionally, regular dental check-ups can help detect and prevent TMD and other dental problems. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of both medications and jaw surgery with Dr. Hart and to consider all available treatment options before making a decision. In many cases, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, oral appliances, and lifestyle changes, such as stress management and proper posture, can be effective in managing TMD without the need for surgery.

If you’re ready to stop your TMJ pain once and for all and get treatment for your TMD without medication or surgery, visit toshihartdds.com!