#49 Tension Headache or TMD

What is a tension headache?  A tension headache, as defined and classified by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (3^rd Edition), is the most common type of the more than 100 different headache classifications.  According to medical experts, two of every three people suffer from tension headaches at some time in their life. Tension Headaches can last a short time or go on for months. Sometimes these headaches are intermittent, recurring several times a week or continuous without resolution. Tension headaches are always located around the head, neck, and shoulders. Tension headaches are the most frequent type of headache treated by physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.  No one knows the causal mechanism for tension headaches except to say they are related to times of anxiety, worry, and intense focus on activities like computer work, handicrafts, or driving in traffic.

Medical providers routinely treat tension headaches with over-the-counter non-steroidal medications of aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), or naproxen (Naprosyn).  Tension headaches are seen more commonly in females.

Let’s compare the definition and description of tension headaches with what we know about headaches related to TMD, (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).

TMD headaches can last a short time or for months. Sometimes these headaches are intermittent recurring several times a week or continuous without resolution. TMD headaches are always located around the head, neck, and shoulders, but also can include other symptoms like ringing in the ears, subjective hearing loss, vertigo, and arm/hand/ and finger tingling and numbness. TMD headaches can be quite severe and are most frequently seen in females between the ages of 13 and 75.  TMD headaches routinely get worse over time.  Forty-five percent (45%) of females suffer from the symptoms of TMD headaches during their life. We do know the cause of TMD headaches. Inflammation within the temporomandibular joint capsule is responsible for all the headache symptoms. Damage within the temporomandibular joint capsule can be caused by clenching and grinding the teeth (Bruxism). Clenching and grinding the teeth is known to be caused by stress, anxiety, worry, and intense focus on activities like computer work, handicrafts, or driving in traffic.

The medical profession does not know the cause of tension headaches.  But the description of tension headaches fits the description of TMD perfectly.  We do know what causes TMD.  TMD can be easily and readily treated with a non-surgical oral device and protocol with amazing results.  These results have been validated by independent university academic studies.

Is it possible all tension headaches have been mislabeled and they are all related to TMD?  That’s possible but has not been established yet using statistical studies and analysis.  Is it likely that millions of people that have been misdiagnosed with tension headaches caused by TMD?  The answer is a definite YES.

If you are one of the millions of people who have been misdiagnosed with tension headaches and cannot find relief, contact us to schedule a consultation.  TMD headaches are easy to diagnose and treat.

Our team at TMJ Services of Brentwood can determine if your tension headaches are really TMD is just a few minutes.

We are here to help.