Have you ever experienced frequent headaches or chronic ear pain without an obvious cause? One possible contributing factor to these symptoms may be Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorder refers to a variety of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction around the jaw joint and muscles that help control jaw movement. If you’re seeking answers for your unexplained headaches and pain, Dr. Morgan at the National Institute for TMJ may have the solution for you.
Understanding TMJ Disorder
The TMJ joint is located at the jawbone, where it connects to the skull. It helps facilitate movement so that you can chew, swallow, and speak. Numerous muscle groups attach to the joint, including the hard and soft tissues in the area, which support its function. When these structures are overworked, the joint can become irritated and dysfunction may occur, leading to TMJ disorder.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw or facial pain, ear pain, clicking or popping sounds when the jaw moves, difficulty opening the mouth wide, and headaches. It’s not fully understood why TMJ disorder causes these symptoms, but they are thought to be related to muscle tension, all-over body inflammation, or neurological influences.
How TMJ Disorder Contributes to Headaches
When your TMJ is not functioning properly, you may clench or grind your teeth without realizing it, leading to tightness and tenderness in related muscle groups. This can cause referral pain from the jaw into the head and neck, triggering headaches and migraines. This type of pain, known as myofascial pain, can become chronic without proper diagnosis and treatment.
TMJ disorder can also cause inflammation in the muscles and surrounding tissue, making them more sensitive to pain. This prolonged inflammation can lead to headaches that are more severe, chronic, and resistant to treatment. Additionally, tension throughout the head and neck due to TMJ dysfunction can contribute to tension-type headaches.
In extreme cases, TMJ disorder can lead to occipital neuralgia, a more severe headache disorder. Occipital neuralgia is characterized by sharp, shooting pains that originate from the base of the skull up to the scalp, and may be accompanied by blurred vision, nausea, and photophobia or phonophobia. This type of headache is rare and may take months or years to develop, but it is indicative of severe jaw dysfunction and requires immediate treatment.
Relief with Dr. Morgan at the National Institute for TMJ
With over 20 years of experience in the field of TMJ research and treatment, Dr. Cynthia Morgan at the National Institute of TMJ is dedicated to providing personalized care for those experiencing unexplained headaches and jaw pain. Using state-of-the-art technology and a comprehensive diagnostic process, Dr. Morgan will work with you to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, and develop a treatment plan customized for your needs.
Dr. Morgan offers a variety of treatment options for TMJ disorder and related headaches, including physical therapy, appliance therapy, trigger point injections, and Botox. The ultimate goal of her treatment is to restore proper alignment and function to the jaw joint, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate headaches.
Conclusion
TMJ disorder is a common condition that can contribute to unexplained headaches and migraines. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment from a knowledgeable professional who specializes in TMJ, such as Dr. Morgan at the National Institute for TMJ. With state-of-the-art technology and over 20 years of experience, she will work with you to determine the underlying cause of your pain, and develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms. Don’t let TMJ disorder hold you back from a pain-free life – contact Dr. Morgan today!