TMJ

Dr. Paul Smedley

  • Home
  • About Dr Paul
  • Articles
    • What is TMJ?
    • What are TMJ symptoms
    • What are the causes of TMJ jaw pain ?
    • TMJ Pain Relief
    • TMJ Exercises
    • TMJ Treatment – Finding Relief
    • A headache with jaw pain ?
  • Testimonials
  • Contact
  • Referral Form

A TMJ headache

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.

Dr Paul Smedley

Dr Paul Smedley

Dr Paul Smedley, Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Shakespeare Specialist Centre
181 Shakespeare Road,
Milford,
Auckland 0620

Ph:- 09 489 2384.  Fax 09 486 0189
E: tmjsurgeon@tmj.nz

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact