Headaches and migraines are a common occurrence among just about everyone. While every person is bound to experience a headache at some point in their life, the differing factor is the cause of the headache. In fact, if you suffer from chronic headaches, it could be related more to your mouth than your head. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMJ or TMD, is one issue that can result in headaches. At Jawfixers in Manchester and West Hartford, CT, Dr. Ryaz Ansari is an expert in diagnosing and treating TMJ issues.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is an oral condition that causes pain in the lower jaw, and can restrict movement. The exact cause of the disorder can differ between individuals. It may be caused by biology, accidents or even arthritis. Even persistent grinding or the clenching of teeth may cause TMJ. As the muscles and jaw are tensed and grind against each other, other muscles and parts of the body can be affected, including the neck and head.
What Are the Symptoms?
There are several symptoms that can point to TMJ being the source of the issue:
- Pain around the jaw
- Pain around the ear
- Pain in the face
- Inability to move the jaw
- Pain or difficulty chewing
- Clicking or grating noises while moving the jaw
When Should You Seek Treatment?
As soon as you realize any problems with your jaw, you can receive care from your dentists in Manchester or West Hartford, CT. Mentioning your problems to your dentist will help if you aren’t sure if the pain is coming from your teeth or jaw and you have constant jaw pain or headaches. The sooner you let our clinicians know about the problem, the sooner it is possible to figure out the cause of pain and how to treat it.
How Can You Get Started?
The first step in fixing your headaches is seeking help. Contact our Manchester or West Hartford, CT offices to schedule a visit with Dr. Ryaz Ansari. We are eager to help alleviate your jaw pain and headache woes.