A bad headache with jaw pain are two common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders or TMD or TMJ for short. But they are also symptoms of several other ailments.
It is important to see a doctor to determine what is causing the pain.
These symptoms usually worsen over time if not treated.
Dr Paul Smedley appeared in Episode One of TVNZ’s “Is Modern Medicine Killing You?” giving treatment to someone who had been suffering with a constant headache for over three years. He did not know that the headache was caused by TMJ disorder
Below is a very small extract (low quality) of the programme for information purposes only. All information should be used in consultation with a surgeon of your choice. No guarantees or warranties are made with respect to any of the information contained in this website.
Not sure if your headache is a tmj headache ? Here is some more information to help.
Other TMJ pain symptoms
You might grind or clench you teeth at night, or you may have received an injury. Whatever the cause, the symptoms are some or all of the following:
- Pain and other symptoms affecting the head, jaw and face
- Headache, tenderness of the jaw muscles
- Pain surrounding the ear area
- Dull aching facial pain with severe exacerbation in or around the ear
The above are all common symptoms of TMJ. You may also have:
- Difficulty in opening the mouth “locking” of the jaw
- Clicking noises as the mouth is opened or closed
- Pain associated with opening the mouth very wide e.g. yawning or by chewing if persistent.
If you are suffering from headaches and also have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or you can’t open or close your jaw completely you probably should seek treatment.
Rest assured, treatment of TMJ pain is NOT necessarily surgical. The American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends a conservative/non-surgical approach first. Only 20% of patients need to proceed to surgery.