How to Treat TMJ Headaches

Overview

TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint, is the cause of many migraine and headache episodes, report doctors at the Michigan TMJ Headache Institute. The condition results from damage to the jawbone, which causes pressure on the trigeminal nerve that is connected to the face. The nerve in turn controls other sensations and muscles in the face, neck and throat. The subsequent pain that results in headaches often is difficult to diagnose. Other symptoms associated with TMJ include locking of the jaw, an uneven bite and difficulty chewing. Once discovered, TMJ often goes away by itself or can be treated with drugs or surgery.

Step 1

Take medication that contains naproxen, found in products such as Aleve. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic say that naproxen is one of the only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that has proven helpful in relieving TMJ headaches.

Step 2

Try getting injections of botulism toxin (Botox) to relieve the muscle strain caused by the TMJ. Once relaxed, TMJ muscles stop irritating the nerves and the headaches dissipate.

Step 3

Wear a bite guard to prevent grinding your teeth. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that teeth grinding is a significant cause of dislocated jaws and must be controlled to stop the headaches associated with the misalignment. A bite guard is a piece of plastic meant to fit over the teeth during sleep.

Step 4

Participate in cognitive behavior therapy that can help to identify the underlying issues that are causing the stress that is being played out in your mouth. By learning new coping strategies and ways to handle stress, you may be able to stop the teeth grinding and other facial moves that are causing the TMJ headaches.

Step 5

Go in for a complete dental exam and ask your dentist to check the alignment of your teeth. Many family doctors miss the cause of chronic headaches because they are not as familiar with tooth alignment as dentists are. Sometimes dentists can pull a tooth or add a crown or implant to even out the bite and correct the TMJ to make the headaches disappear.