TMJ, Headache & Clenching (Bite) Disorders
Headache pain, jaw stiffness, facial muscle pain, pain with chewing, jaw joint pain, jaw joint noises, neck pain, throat pain, and grinding or clenching one's teeth could all be a part of various Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorders.
It is not uncommon for a Temporal Mandibular headache to trigger another headache (migraines) or be related to neck and upper back dysfunction.
We can help sort through your symptoms, evaluate our ability to help, or in some cases, determine your need to be seen by another member of our referral team. However, most people can be successfully cared for in our office without the need for a secondary referral. When your pain and symptoms are more complex, we have these recourses available.
Referral Sources Available as Part of Our Team:
- Radiologist for joint imaging.
- Physical therapist for increasing mobility and strength, as well as pain reduction.
- Clinical psychologist for behavioral therapy to reduce bad habits, stress, and anxiety using biofeedback and personal counseling.
- Surgical consultation when surgical intervention is considered.
- Oral facial pain clinic when there are many contributing complexities to your health, comfort, and care.
- Sleep disorder clinic for sleep related issues including disturbed sleep architecture, snoring and sleep apnea.
Often a dental appliance (mouth guard) is fabricated out of a hard and stable acrylic to completely cover your lower or upper teeth. This is adjusted over several appointments. It provides muscle relaxation and support for the jaw joints (TMJ), thus eliminating or reducing your problems to a manageable level.
Click on the links under the header "TMJ, Headache & Clenching Disorders" to learn more. This entire section is devoted to these concerns.