Headaches, we meet again. Frequent headaches can be quite alarming, and you might even think you have a brain tumor or some other brain malfunction. Easy there. Step away from WebMD and let’s revisit headaches. There is a greater chance that your headache is caused by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is made up of the temporal bone of the skull and the mandible of the lower jaw.

The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull and is located in front of the ears, allowing the jaw to open and close, move from side to side, forward and backward. Unlike other joints in the body, these joints move in unison, and when one or both are not functioning properly, it is referred to as a dysfunction, or TMD.

Headaches in Atlanta

The most common complaint of patients with TMD is a recurring headache. Many migraines can also be attributed to TMD. The source of the headache or migraine pain is actually the head and neck muscles, which refer pain to the head when they are malfunctioning or in spasm. Referred pain often originates in a part of the body that differs from the area where it is actually felt. So, in terms of TMD, you might feel pain behind your eyes, in your teeth and in your head, when the culprit is the TMJ.

Seek Diagnosis and Treatment in Atlanta

Diagnosis is key, so make sure to contact Dr. Patel to discuss TMD and if this might be the cause of your headaches. A consultation with Dr. Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia will help find a diagnosis. During the consultation we will discuss your symptoms, perform a clinical exam and take a bite analysis. After this, further x-rays and testing might be needed depending on the results of the first consultation.

After a TMD diagnosis is made, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Without proper treatment, the problem can worsen and become debilitating. If left untreated, arthritis can develop in the TMJ, which can cause symptoms to become more severe.

No two TMD cases are alike, which is why it is important to visit Dr. Patel for further diagnosis and treatment planning.