Could my headache be caused by my jaw?

Do you tend to suffer from headaches on a regular basis, especially after a long, stressful day?

There are so many causes for headaches, it can be tough to pinpoint the root source. Dehydration, an unhealthy diet, poor posture, lack of sleep, stress, illness — if no other explanation seems to fit, it might be time to take a look at your jaw.

Headaches can be a real pain the jaw

More specifically, your headaches may be caused by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw and skull. When an issue with the TMJ occurs, it’s known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder / Dysfunction (TMD). Although TMD is the proper term for the condition, many simply refer to it as ‘TMJ’.

TMJ-related headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms. Pay attention to whether or not your jaw makes clicking or popping sounds, locks up, or feels tired after eating. Those suffering from TMD may also experience neck, back, tooth or facial pain.

TMD can even result in ear aches and ringing in the ears (tinnitus), vertigo, nausea and numbness/tingling in the fingertips.

Treating TMD

The good news is that TMJ issues are often treatable. The first step is to consult with an experienced dental professional who can help determine the root cause of the TMD.

Dr. Mark Provencher at Kelowna Dental Solutions has ample training and experience in treating TMD. His  physiological approach includes the assessment and treatment of the muscles responsible for the alignment and function of the jaw. Dr. Provencher’s goal is to establish harmony between the function of the muscles, movement of the joints and fit of the teeth.

Contact Kelowna Dental Solutions to book a TMD consultation, and start on the path to living pain-free.