These headaches stem from dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, the hinge joint that holds the jaw to the skull and enables us to open and close the mouth, chew, and swallow. According to the TMJ Association Ltd., at any one time, approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population, or 35 million people, are affected by TMJ disorders. Most of those who seek treatment are women in their childbearing years. It’s estimated that nine affected women for every one man have severe symptoms: major limitations in jaw movement and chronic pain. Fortunately, these problems tend to be self-limiting, although some can take as long as seven to 10 years to resolve.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Headaches?
TMJ disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms. Headaches—including migraines—are among them, but few people affected with TMJ disorder have headaches as their primary problem. Other symptoms include pain and tenderness when chewing, limited movement of the jaw, audible clicks or pops when opening the mouth, pain in the neck and shoulders, ear pain and ringing in the ears, dizziness, and vision problems. In general, discomfort from TMJ disorder is occasional and temporary and resolves with little or no treatment.
Andrew Weil
Author
Andrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing-oriented approach to health care which encompasses body, mind, and spirit.
