Medical Questions > Conditions and Diseases > Headache and Migraines Forum

TMJ and headaches

Must Read
How can you tell if a headache is serious, or not? What types of headaches are there? Get started learning the facts about headache here....
Do you know when to seek help for headache symptoms? Learn more about symptoms of the four different types of headaches...and when to go to a doctor here....
Headaches can be caused by various medical conditions. Learn which tests doctors use to diagnose problem headaches...and who you should see to start diagnosis....
User Profile
I have a dull headache everyday sometimes turning into a migrane. They run in my family and my 16 year old daughter was diagnosed with them when she was 9. I have a 4 year old daughter, is it most likely that she will have them also? I have tmj and sometimes I wonder if it is causing some of my headaches because my jaw will be hurting at the same time as my head is hurting, can they be affecting each other? Not being able to go to the doctor, financle reasons, do you have any suggestions for either problem?


Did you find this post helpful?
|

User Profile
replied October 22nd, 2009
Headache and Migraines Answer A7589
Hello and welcome to eHealth Forum!


If your jaw and head hurt at the same time it is quite possible that the TMJ is causing the headache. TMJ by itself can also cause a headache or it can be the trigger of a migraine headache. On net it is difficult to comment on the actual cause.


Try massaging the various muscles of the face, shoulders, and back of the neck that may be involved. Locate and massage the painful spots with hard, slow, short strokes. Do this several times a day until the muscle is no longer painful when pressed.
To massage the masseter muscles (on the cheek) on each side of your upper jaw , place your thumb inside your mouth and squeeze the thick muscle in your cheek with your fingers. Use your index finger to probe the tender areas behind the teeth and to massage these spots.

Other home-care therapies, such as moist heat or cold packs on the face, vitamin supplements, or biofeedback can also be tried. Exercising several times each week, yoga or deep breathing exercises may help you relax. Drink plenty of fluids and water (not caffeine), eat fresh fruits and vegetables and keep yourself busy throughout the day.

On the other hand the headache may be a migraine attack only and you would need to try various medications to see which helps you best. There are many OTC products available. Needless to say it would be best if you could consult a doctor. Hope this helps. Take care!



|
Did you find this post helpful?
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Headache and Migraines , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.