Does anyone have TMJ that creates their headache and dizziness?

mikayla, Hi. Yes, I have TMJ that causes headaches, but, no dizziness. I also am aware that I can clench my
teeth while I am doing things during the day. I make a conscious effort to not do this.

I wear a mouth guard that was fitted by a dentist at night. It helps as the teeth grinding (bruxism) at night
can do great damage to your teeth.

It's worth a try. To honest, I haven't really noticed a huge difference in less headaches though, but, it will
help save teeth from wear and fractures. The mouth guard is not hard to adapt to at all.

Blessings & Prayers to you for answers and relief.....

Thank you. I tried a night guard years ago and couldn't sleep with it and saliva would be pouring out of my mouth.

You are asking a good question, @mikaylar about the connection between headaches and TMJ. There does appear to be some correlation. Here is an article from the Cleveland Clinic website that discusses this connection.
--Temporomandibular disorders
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15066-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-overview
Here is another link to an article about exercises you can do for TMJ:
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/best-exercises-tmj-temporomandibular-joint
I would also like to invite @loribmt, to this discussion. Lori worked in the dental field. Perhaps she can also offer some thoughts or suggestions based on her work-related experiences.

Have you received any other suggestions from your dentist or doctor about exercises to help with TMJ symptoms?

Hi @mikaylar Having misalignment of the teeth and TMJ issues can sometimes cause headaches and I’ve heard of people mentioning dizziness. There are several muscles that are impacted, simply by chewing. Even if it’s not TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) related, the very act of chewing can even involve muscles in the back of the head. I had that happen yesterday while eating a large (diameter) sandwhich! I developed a horrible headache while eating my lunch, for heaven’s sake! I ended up taking the Hoagie apart and eating each piece independently…and took an Advil.

Not sure what your dentist has suggested for treatment options. If the misalignment is minor, there are mouth guards which may help relieve the sources of stress in the jaw. However, what you may want to try is a certified massage therapist. I see mine routinely for chronic upper back/head and neck issues brought on by clenching my teeth and hours at the computer.

Those monthly massages have done more to relieve my jaw issues than any other treatment. Also, I occasionally have acupuncture treatments as well to relieve head/neck and shoulder tension. So those therapies may be something to consider. If not, they relax the rest of your body! ☺️

Do you feel your headaches and dizziness are related to muscle tension? Where are your headaches located? Back of the head, side or front over the eyes? Do you find yourself clenching your jaws frequently? Are you under a lot of stress?

My PT (who is treating my dizziness and constant headache} tells me that the TMJ is not serious but she is working on it a bit. The dentist suggested I ask her. Docs cannot find the source of my constant 6 yr headache all day/every day. Now the dizziness and dizzy spells are getting worse. Nothing helps. I have treated with Jefferson Headache Center in Philly and Penn in Philly and had every test and procedure imaginable. 50 medications over the years and all migraine meds. Having telemed with my useless neurologist Friday. Thanks for your concern.

Oh golly, there was more to this story! I thought you were maybe at the beginning of trying to find the answer to headache and dizziness. This has been ongoing for 6 years? Oh you poor dear…I can’t imagine a headache daily!

I hope you find some answers soon so you can get your life back!

I noticed years ago that my TMJ and Bruxism definitely could trigger my Classic Migraines with aura and Scotoma. Mouthguard and massage help and also some times Muscle Relaxants (eg Baclofen, Flexeril) No guaranty however. Also ice pack on side of head with pain and a hot shower. Keep trying, it's worth it when these strategies help. Since age 12, my migraines will present like a TIA with no permanent damage. These episodes l have to wait out quietly and patiently, sometimes will last as long as two hours but usually less. Take good care, you are not alone.

Oh I am so sorry!!!! I have TMJ so bad that my jaws keep locking. I have to be careful when I yawn big. I am so afraid they are going to want to wire my jaw shut to fix my bones. My daughter was in a motorcycle accident and had her jaws wired shut and she about lost her mind. 🙁