My Jaw Hurts and Clicks
Updated January 30, 2015.
Do you suffer from TMJ pain? Do you believe this is the source of your headache? Learn more about TMJ in this question and answer style format. You might be surprised by how this disorder is diagnosed and the variety of symptoms it causes.
What is the TMJ?
The Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ is a joint that allows your jaw to slide and hinge properly so that you can chew, swallow, and speak efficiently.
While the joint itself does not have any nerve connections, the surrounding muscles and joint capsule do, and these structures are thought to be the primary source of pain in TMJ disorders.
How Does TMJ Pain Arise?
According to the International Headache Society (IHS), TMJ pain can arise from intra-articular disc displacement, osteoarthritis, or hypermobility of the TMJ. Rheumatoid arthritis can also be a cause for TMJ pain.
Why Does TMJ Pain Occur?
Doctors are not entirely sure, as there are likely multiple sources of pain. Habits like grinding your teeth or lip biting may lead to inflammation of the joint capsule or spasm of the muscles surrounding the joint. Abnormal dental occlusion may also contribute to TMJ pain.
That being said, these potential etiologies are somewhat controversial, as abnormal occlusion and habits like teeth grinding are common in people without TMJ disorders.
Having an emotional disturbance, like anxiety, or experiencing large amounts of stress may also exacerbate TMJ disorders.
What Does Having TMJ Pain Feel Like?
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Jaw pain
- Limited range of motion of the jaw
- Headache
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Clicking sound heard when moving the joint/jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth
How are TMJ Disorders Diagnosed?
According to the IHS, one of the below criteria must be met for your doctor to make the diagnosis:
- pain is precipitated by jaw movements and/or chewing of hard or tough food
- reduced range of or irregular jaw opening
- noise from one or both TMJs during jaw movements
- tenderness of the joint capsule(s) of one or both TMJs
Also, the "TMJ headache" must resolve after three months. Successful treatment of a TMJ disorder means that an individual has an absence of pain, improved jaw function, and a normal quality of life.
Please note that your doctor may order imaging (xray, MRI) of the TMJ to confirm the diagnosis.
How are TMJ Disorders Treated?
TMJ pain can be challenging to treat and commonly involves multiple therapies. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter and/or prescription medications like Tylenol, NSAIDs (i.e. Ibuprofen), and muscle relaxants.
Other treatment options include physical therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Relaxation techniques and stress management are also utilized in treating TMJ disorders. Finally, alternative therapies like hypnosis, acupuncture, and massage might be useful.
Take Home Message
The good news is that the symptoms of a TMJ disorder generally improve with time, even if you do not undergo therapy. That being said, talk with your doctor if you think you suffer from a TMJ disorder. Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and help you formulate a treatment regimen that suits you and your lifestyle.
Sources
Buescher JJ. Temporomandibular joint disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Nov 15;76(10):1477-1482.
Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society. "The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 2nd Edition". Cephalalgia 2004;24 Suppl 1:9-160.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this site is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
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