Headaches are common, and many people just take Tylenol to address the discomfort. However, if you experience headaches all the time, it may be a symptom of a temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ. Visit our dentist right away if you think that’s the case so we can start helping you with the care.
Symptoms of TMJ
Many people do not realize that a jaw condition can cause headaches but the temporomandibular joint is linked to the skull. This can cause pain around the skull when the joint constantly tense up. When followed by the following symptoms your headaches can refer to this jaw disorder.
- Difficulty closing and opening your mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Aching pain and ringing around your ears
- Tenderness and pain around the jaw
- Clicking or popping noises when moving the jaw
What Happens When the Disorder Remains Ignored?
The symptoms only escalate unless action is taken. The disorder isn’t life-threatening, but over time the headaches will get more intense. You also may develop tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears. Other possibilities include back, shoulder and neck pain. The pain will make it difficult for some people to sleep, which leads to sleep and mood disorders.
Treatments for TMJ
Our dentist can provide you with information on relaxation and stress management techniques for reducing symptom severity. If the disorder is caused by grinding and clenching your teeth, then our dental professional can prescribe you to wear a mouse guard.
In some cases, it may be necessary to prescribe medications such as muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery will only be required in rare, severe cases.
See Our Dentist To Help Your Jaw
Contact our offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada today and Dr. Parviz Roshanzamir can be seen in no time. When helpful treatments are available, there’s no reason to live with the pain of a damaged jaw joint.