If you ask someone what causes a headache, you will hear answers like stress, lack of caffeine, loud noises, or a number of other reasons. You will almost never hear someone attribute headaches to a problem with the joint between their jaw and the rest of their skull. Do you know why? It is because many people have no idea that a problem with their temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, can cause headaches. Many people don’t even know that “TMJ” is the name of that joint. Clinton Township, MI dentist Dr. Ardelean at Ardelean Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, PC offers TMJ treatment.
You may be surprised by how much a problem with your TMJ can affect. This joint is responsible for a lot of symptoms experienced by our patients. If you have ongoing pain in your jaw or inexplicable headaches, one of the reasons may be that you have a problem with your TMJ. Dr. Ardelean has treated many TMJ disorder cases and will be able to help you figure out what the problem is and get you quick relief.
What Is TMJ/TMD?
A temporomandibular joint disorder is called TMD. You will often hear it called TMJ, and while this is technically incorrect, it is the way many people refer to it. TMJ is actually just the abbreviated version of the actual name for the joint. In any event, TMJ or TMD refers to a problem with the joint that attaches your jaw to the rest of your skull. This joint has a great deal of influence on how you feel from the neck area up. The reason for this is that the muscles that control this joint extend all the way up into the temple region on the side of your head. The entire sides of your face are at the mercy of your TMJ and how well it is functioning.
What Are TMJ Symptoms?
A problem with your TMJ can cause a variety of symptoms. They include:
- Jaw pain
- Clicking in your jaw
- Lockjaw (jaw locks open or closed)
- Difficulty chewing
- Swelling
These are just a few of the symptoms. Dr. Ardelean, Clinton Township, MI dentist will be able to help you identify whether your symptoms are TMJ-related or are caused by something else.
Are Problems with My TMJ Causing My Headaches?
Your headaches may be caused by a problem with your TMJ. These headaches can be severe, such as with migraines. This is because the TMJ muscles and tendons extend all the way into your temple region. This is one of the more exhausting symptoms of a TMJ disorder. Trying to live your day-to-day life while suffering from chronic headaches is a very hard thing to do, and forget about sleeping soundly with a headache.
Dr. Ardelean has been successful in helping many of her patients overcome their TMJ disorder symptoms, especially headaches, with custom-fit bite guards. These guards help to alleviate stress and pressure that may be present in your TMJ. This TMJ treatment is successful in 8 out of 10 patients who suffer from chronic headaches.
If you are suffering from headaches or jaw pain whose source is a mystery to you, call Clinton Township, MI dentist Dr. Ardelean today at (586) 465-4505 to schedule an appointment for a TMJ Treatment. She will help you get past your TMJ symptoms and live a more comfortable life. You can also use our online form, and one of us will be in touch shortly.