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- Relationship Between TMJ Disorders and Headaches
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TMJ DISORDERS AND HEADACHES
Did you know that headaches are a common symptom for patients with TMD? According to the International Headache Society, TMD is classified as a secondary headache that results from disorders of the TMJ or related tissues.
When you come in for your evaluation, your PT will ask you many questions to gather a thorough history to identify the possible source of your orofacial pain and provide a screen for other causative or contributing factors. Be sure to let your PT know when your headache occurs, how often, where it hurts, the duration, etc. For example, a patient may report they experience a headache in the temporal region (temples) for about an hour after eating. Keeping a log of your symptoms will help us determine the root cause of your headaches.
Next, your physical therapist will perform a thorough exam to determine where your headache is coming from in order to correctly target treatment. Sensitive areas in jaw muscles and the neck region can refer pain that causes headaches. Additionally, cervical (neck) joint problems can produce a headache. It is important to note that you may have a primary headache (i.e., migraine, cluster, tension), which warrants referral to and collaboration with another healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or orofacial pain specialist, to determine the appropriate plan of care.
(Harrison et al., 2014)
Citations:
- Gauer, R. L., & Semidey, M. J. (2015, March 15). Diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders. American Family Physician. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0315/p378.html#afp20150315p378-f1
- Harrison, A. L., Thorp, J. N., & Ritzline, P. D. (2014). A proposed diagnostic classification of patients with temporomandibular disorders: Implications for physical therapists. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 44(3), 182–197. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2014.4847
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How do we track your progress?
We define patient-centered goals as what you hope to accomplish from physical therapy. While these are typically activity-specific goals, often patients report they just wish to experience less pain.
Can the neck be involved with TMJ disorder?
When you come in to have your TMJ evaluated, your physical therapist may examine your neck as it can contribute to and exacerbate TMD symptoms. Often times, those with cervical involvement also have headaches.
How can physical therapy help with TMD?
Physical therapy can be very effective at lessening or resolving symptoms associated with TMD. Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on the type of TMD you have and your signs and symptoms.