Headache and TMJ disorder

There are various types of headaches associated with many different issues, including clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep, TMJ disorders and sleep apnoea.

Dr. Gorji has worked extensively to treat these conditions. She provides her patients with clinically-proven devices and therapies to help ease the pain. She believes that such treatments are extremely rewarding as they improve patients’ quality of life.

TMJ

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the jaw joint located in front of each ear. It is a complex area of muscles, bones and cartilages. This area of the face contributes to chewing, bite (occlusion) and jaw movement. Any disorder of TMJ compromises the jaw flexibility and results in inflammation of neuromuscular structures which can lead to various symptoms in whole body.

TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder has often been described as psycho-stress related syndrome, but in truth there are many different reasons behind TMJ associated pain.

The basic problem is poor relationship of the lower jaw to the upper jaw due to various reasons including narrow upper jaw as a developmental or post orthodontic problem, history of accident, blow to the face or any similar physical or surgical trauma in the area can result in TMJ disorder.

Improper bite and too much teeth interferences are another reason to stress the joint over a long period of time. Sleep Apnoea, bruxism and grinding the teeth when sleeping along with nail biting and other parafunctional habits increase the risk of TMPD (temporomandibular pain disorder).

Symptoms of TMPD

The symptoms of TMJ disorder can differ from patient to patient, making diagnosis troublesome. Some include:

-Headache, neck pain and lower back pain

-Pain and clicking sound of the joint, limited or deviated opening or closing the mouth, numbness or cold sensitivity around the teeth, burning sensations and dry mouth
– bladder incontinence and frequently visiting the toilet overnight, and bed-wetting among children and adults.
– Gynaecological problems like irregular menstruation cycles, cramps and severe pain
– Chronic tiredness, depression and anxiety, nausea and malaise, migraines like headaches, neck and shoulders pain and earache. Numbness in the hands and lower back pain

-Body posture problems due to forward head posture

TMJ Treatment

Complete clinical and radiographic examination and assessment is necessary before any treatment. Dental appliances will be fabricated based on patients’ problem to prevent bruxism, grinding and clenching, improve the bite and jaw position.

Injection of muscle relaxants into the TMJ-linked facial muscles can relieve their spasm and subsequently reduce the facial pain and bruxism severity.

Of all symptoms headaches and facial pains are the most common symptoms that we treat and get the most significant results for. However, many patients report a huge improvement or complete relief of other mentioned symptoms.

At Park Street Dental Practice, our ultimate goal is the relief of patients’ facial pain and discomfort and improve their quality of life and happiness.