1. Quick Fixes for TMJ Headache Pain
Everyone responds to direct hot/cold therapy to some degree. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder headaches or migraines can be set off by swelling in blood vessels of the neck, jaw and shoulders. To alleviate this, try alternating or choosing your preference of moist heat and cool gel packs. Microwave heat packs lightly. Place cold packs in the fridge, not the freezer, for comfort. Then place them anywhere you have body aches for 10 to 30 minutes, alternating hot and cold.
Some patients find relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin. These act to reduce swelling, which may be greater in those who also have arthritis.
2. Self-Care Relieves Pain in the Long Term
Headache and migraine sufferers are familiar with the pain cycle, in which the body "retaliates" against pain with further tension. Relief from this cycle of pain, along with stress-reduction practices, can greatly reduce the incidence of headaches. Guided imagery and meditation are two mental exercises that can redirect negative body energies. Spend 30 minutes to 1 hour either consciously generating pleasant mental pictures or emptying your mind of all mental pictures, focusing instead on your breathing. Both of these activities can physically block pain.
Physical stretching and exercise, practiced regularly, help to lower stress levels and improve muscle and joint health. The long-term result should be fewer headaches or migraines.
3. Correcting the Underlying Cause
Finding the true root of your TMJ headaches can take time. Not every health care professional understands all the aspects that can contribute to TMJ symptoms. In many people, these are caused by an improper bite or malocclusion. Dentists and orthodontists can suggest a corrective program. If the temporomandibular joint itself has sustained injury or degradation, you may need surgery to get relief. However, your condition might originate from a misaligned cervical vertebra, not in the jaw or teeth themselves. Seek opinions from several chiropractors or orthopedists to discover the most comprehensive treatment for your particular case. Removing the source of your TMJ disorder will make those headaches disappear.
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