The connection between TMJ headaches and myofascial pain
Most people associate pain with a physical problem in the same body region as the pain. This can be an inaccurate notion when the pain is associated with the chest, neck, and back, as well as certain headaches. Many headaches experienced around the ear may be the product of a local problem in the TMJ, or the temporo-mandibular joint, located just in front of the ear on each side of the face.
This is the a complex region of the body, and often disorders in the TMJ can result in facial pain, or myofascial pain syndrome. But, more extreme disorders can commonly extend to the neck and back area, as well as create chest pain in some cases.
TMJ misalignment
These pain episodes can often begin with a misalignment in the TMJ, which in turn puts pressure on the connected facial muscles. Depending on the tension created in the facial muscle region by the TMJ alignment problem, the pain can also shift down the chest in specific cases.
This possibility suggests that chest pain is not always associated with coronary problems, many times needing medical attention from a TMJ medical dentistry specialist. These bouts with assumed sympathy pain are the actual result of TMJ disorder in many cases, including some headaches.
How referred pain works
This referred pain delivery beginning in the TMJ and myofascial region of the body is actuated by trigger points in the taut band within the muscles.
The pain generated by the trigger point can extend to any connected body area, including the lower back, but it is most often causation for pain in the neck, upper back, and chest area. However, do not rule out the possibility of TMJ disorder migraines which can be located any where in the cranial region, as well as the central temple region next to the ear.
The repetitive motion dilemma
While TMJ disorders can occur from accidents resulting in injury, they can also be impacted by the repetitive motion nature of the facial and jaw joint tissues and muscles. People swallow approximately 2000 times per day, so it is easy to see how problems in the eating and swallowing mechanism of the body can have a serious impact on other regions, connected or otherwise.
People who are suffering from pain in the upper regions of the body should not rule out the damage potential from the constant movement in this body region.
Find relief
A TMJ dentistry professional may be able to provide a solution to the ultimate cause of the pain. If you suspect TMJ is behind your pain, please schedule a consultation.
