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Suffering From TMJ. Having Head Ache, Neck Pain. Can TMJ Cause Neck Pain?
I have a TMJ on my left side. A few days ago, after dinner, I thought I chewed too much and felt my TMJ to start hurting. But I felt a surge of headache started too. I took a warm shower after but didn t help. The back of my neck was so stiff and I had throbbing pain on the left side of the back of my neck. I can move my neck sideways but not forward. Carrying my neck, getting up, really hurt so bad, so I stayed mostly laying down. My neck pain lasted for almost 2 days. Now, I get a headache everyday after eating lunch or dinner and feels like my head is so heavy and my neck so stiff. Can TMJ cause throbbing pain on the back of the neck?
posted on
Sun, 9 Sep 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 12 Sep 2012
Answered on
Mon, 14 Jan 2013
Last reviewed on
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1 Doctor agrees with this answer
hello and welcome,
this is a case of temporo-mandibular joint syndrome or tmj disorder.
this occurs due to jaw clenching,bruxism,increased pain sensitivity,stress and anxiety.
the clinical features are-muscle tenderness,clicking or popping noise in tmj,limitation of jaw motion,otalgia,neck pain and or stiffness,shoulder pain and dizziness,cluster headache,middle ear infection etc.
coservative treatment involving self-care practices,rehabilitation aimed at eliminating muscle spasm, should be done.
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics should be used on a short-term,regular basis.different modalities include patient-education,,self-care practices,medication,physical therapy,splints,counselling,,relaxation techniques,hypnotherapy,,acupuncture,arthrocentesis.
symptoms usually remit with simple care.
hope you get well soon.
this is a case of temporo-mandibular joint syndrome or tmj disorder.
this occurs due to jaw clenching,bruxism,increased pain sensitivity,stress and anxiety.
the clinical features are-muscle tenderness,clicking or popping noise in tmj,limitation of jaw motion,otalgia,neck pain and or stiffness,shoulder pain and dizziness,cluster headache,middle ear infection etc.
coservative treatment involving self-care practices,rehabilitation aimed at eliminating muscle spasm, should be done.
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics should be used on a short-term,regular basis.different modalities include patient-education,,self-care practices,medication,physical therapy,splints,counselling,,relaxation techniques,hypnotherapy,,acupuncture,arthrocentesis.
symptoms usually remit with simple care.
hope you get well soon.
I find this answer helpful
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