subject: How To Get Relief From TMJ Headaches [print this page] How To Get Relief From TMJ Headaches How To Get Relief From TMJ Headaches
Almost eighty percent of all adults have suffered from at least one tension-type headache at some point in their life. If you have felt as if a vise was being clamped down around your head or the back of your neck then you probably had a tension headache.One type of tension headache is a TMJ headache. TMJ stands for a disorder of the temporo-mandibular joint. Another name for the temporo-mandibular joint is the jaw.TMJ headache pain is caused by spasms and tension in the muscles that surround and move a person's jaw, as well as by inflammation of the jaw joint. TMJ headaches are also referred to as the "great imposter" because they have the ability to mimic a lot of other things that cause pain.Although there is often an organic reason that causes these headaches, such as the occlusion or alignment of the teeth, the main cause is behavioral. In most instances these headaches are caused by grinding or clenching the teeth.TMJ sufferers focus their tension on their teeth. They will often clench their jaws throughout the day and/or grind their teeth through the night.A dentist can usually corroborate evidence that indicates that a person suffers from temporo-mandibular joint headaches if they find that the enamel of the molar teeth has experienced excessive wear. In these instances the dentist might prescribe therapy whose goal is to restore the patient's bite to normal occlusion.However, in order to eliminate TMJ headaches a long term approach is necessary. This includes participating in a stress management program whose goals include training about how to take the tension off the jaw muscles and teeth.Many people find short term relief by changing their diet, getting local massages, or applying ice or heat to their tense muscles. Others find relief by taking over the counter medications that include anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.One of the problems associated with taking any medication on a regular basis, be it prescribed or over the counter, is that there is the potential of overdosing on that medication. For example, a common, usually safe over the counter drug contains acetaminophen.If taken at the recommended level there will usually not be any adverse side effects. However, if you take more than is recommended you will run the risk of having liver damage. And, in some instances, an unintentional overdose of acetaminophen will result in death.Acetaminophen is the primary ingredient in Tylenol.
