Headaches With Jaw Pain

Headaches occur for a multitude of reasons, ranging from diet to stress. For headaches accompanied with jaw pain, dental problems and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are the common culprits.

TMJ Disorders

• TMJ disorders occur in 19 million people in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. We use the temporomandibular joint to eat and speak.

Bruxism

• Bruxism (teeth clinching or grinding) contribute to tension headaches with jaw pain as well. It is also a risk factor for TMJ disorders.

Poor Posture

• According to the Academy of General Dentistry, poor posture, like slumping over a desk, may temporarily realign your face muscles. This contributes to headaches and jaw pain.

Medication

• Over-the-counter medicine like naproxen and ibuprofen can provide temporary relief for the pain. In some cases, a physician may prescribe an antidepressant, a muscle relaxant or corticosteroid shots.

Other Treatment

• Treat jaw pain by resting an ice pack or a heating pad on the affected area for 10 minutes at least three times a day.

Warning

• If your pain is persistent, you develop problems eating or cannot open your mouth completely, see a physician or dentist immediately.