Generally, headaches are associated with migraine, eye issues, lack of sleep, stress, digestive issues, exposure to loud noise, and sometimes tight headwear. However, mouth-jaw problems could also be one of the reasons for headaches. Are you surprised? Well! Let us discuss this lesser-known cause of headaches in detail.

So, what’s the connection between mouth, jaw, and headaches?

Our jaw is a complex joint comprising two symmetrical temporomandibular joints; the points where the upper and lower jaw connect. The TMJ is a ball-and-socket joint that works in tandem with bones, muscles, ligaments, and discs. The ball of the lower jawbone fits into the socket in front of the ear. The ligaments and muscles retain the attachment between the lower jawbone and the skull.

Healthy TMJs ensure smooth movements when you talk, bite, chew, yawn, or laugh. The joints have pillow-like discs that work as a cushion to your jaw when it moves. You may experience tightness, pain, and rigid movements because of pressure on the jaw muscles, joint inflammation, or a change in the position of the disc. In worst cases, the jaw may become immovable or make a clicking sound during movements.

Such problems with the jaw bones and muscles can cause piercing headaches and facial pain, called temporomandibular disorder (TMD). According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMD can be a result of one or more of the following conditions:

• Pain in the fascia (myofascial pain): Fascia is the connective tissue covering body organs and muscles, including the muscles that control jaw, neck, and shoulder movement.
• Degenerative joint disease
• Internal joint injury
• Underlying infection

What are the causes of TMD?

Injury to the jaw, age-related wear and tear, clenching or grinding your teeth, bite issues are common causes of TMD. Other than these, putting stress on your jaws while being angry or emptying bowels, chewing gums excessively, misaligned teeth, osteoarthritis, and injury to the head or neck can also cause this problem. One of the lesser-known causes of TMD is incorrect posture while using your smartphone or laptop. Holding your head forward or bending your neck for long hours while using digital devices strains the muscles of your neck and jaw and may cause TMD. Sometimes, it is hard to tell whether TMD led to headaches or vice-versa.

What is the treatment for TMD?

The intensity of pain and discomfort because of TMD may vary. Sometimes it can make you wince in pain. At others, you may be able to go about your day with slight nagging pain. Overall, it is a manageable condition when you follow your doctor’s advice and tips for TMJ pain relief. Here are a few to prevent flare-ups.

• Keep your jaw in a resting position as much as possible.
• Avoid taking hard-to-chew foods until the condition improves considerably.
• Apply cold packs or moist heat to ease the pain.
• Manage your stress (consider doing yoga, exercise, going for a nature walk).
• Sleep well.
• Wear a mouth guard to prevent teeth from grinding during sleep.
• Take physiotherapy sessions to stretch the muscles around the jaw and correct posture issues
• Take your pain management medications on time.

Minimizing TMD flare-ups requires identifying the triggers and preventing their onset. Try the tips shared above to make your everyday life free of distress and disturbance it causes.