Not only can an untreated TMJ disorder cause serious recurring jaw pain, but it can also lead to painful headaches and migraines. Forcing yourself to live with this kind of discomfort can take quite a toll on your quality of life, so instead, it’s best to take whatever steps you can to find relief. Below are 4 possible solutions that are worth considering if you want to put a stop to your TMJ-related headaches.
1. Seeking Professional Treatment
In many cases, your dentist can address the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder with a personalized treatment plan. For example, sometimes the issue might be a misaligned jaw that is putting an excessive amount of pressure on your jaw joints. If you wear an occlusal splint provided by your dentist, you can correct the alignment of your jaw and give your joints a chance to rest and recover, thus reducing your symptoms.
There are various other kinds of TMJ treatment that your dentist might recommend depending on your unique circumstances. The sooner you seek care from a professional, the sooner you can achieve lasting relief.
2. Managing Stress
Oftentimes, stress and anxiety can cause you to involuntarily tense your jaw, which can ultimately result in TMJ-related headaches. Thus, avoiding stress as much as possible can go a long way toward reducing your pain. There are plenty of ways you can keep your stress under control at home, such as by practicing yoga or taking relaxing bubble baths. Additionally, it’s a good idea to take whatever steps you can to stay away from confrontations and other potentially stressful situations.
3. Avoiding Certain Foods
When you’re suffering from TMJ-related headaches, you need to be careful regarding what you eat. Trying to bite down on hard foods can put a lot of strain on your jaw joints; it’s therefore better to stick to soft foods that are less likely to aggravate TMJ disorder symptoms, such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Additionally, you should stay away from gum or any other kind of food that requires an excessive amount of chewing.
4. Taking Certain Medications
Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain-relievers can often help you manage the pain of a TMJ-related headache. Remember to carefully follow any instructions regarding the dosage you take. Bear in mind that these types of medication are only a temporary solution; you will still want to take steps to treat the actual cause of your pain.
You don’t need to simply put up with TMJ-related headaches. It’s better to be proactive in pursuing the relief you deserve so that you can ultimately improve your everyday life.
About the Author
Dr. Rashpal Deol has more than 35 years of dental experience. He holds membership with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and he is in the process of completing a Master of Science in orofacial pain at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He offers occlusal splints and other options for treating TMJ disorders. If you need a solution for your TMJ-related headaches, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Deol at Oak Ridge Dental in San Ramon by visiting his website or calling (925) 735-6190.
