Severe Nonstop Tension-Type Headache - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

looney · 01-18-2004, 06:31 PM

Hello,

I've been suffering with TMJ for about a year now, and the whole entire time, I've had a nonstop tension-like headache. My temples are especially tight, as is the base of my skull. It is severe and constant. I've been in splint therapy for 3 months with no improvement.

I'm wondering if any of you out there have this type of muscle tension headache all over your head, neck, and shoulders so constantly and very severe. I am not able to work or even take care of my 2-year-old because of this.

I believe that both of my discs are displaced and not going back into the joint, so there is a lot of spasm when I try to open my mouth. Is it possible for TMJ to cause this type of unliveable muscle spasm? I'm starting to wonder if it's some other health condition.

Please help,

Looney

CherylLynn24 · 01-18-2004, 06:46 PM

looney,

Yes, it is possible for TMJ problems to cause these types of spasms with the muscles. My kid explains his problems to be exactly like yours. He's been suffering from this for over a year now. His whole head feels like it's in a vice......and it hasn't let up yet. He also has problems with his neck/shoulders/back.

Have you ever had an MRI or tomograms done? He had an MRI and it showed that his right disc was anteriorly displaced. Right now, we're seeing someone new and waiting on a different splint.

Have you looked into other dentists for consultations, yet?
Cheryl

looney · 01-19-2004, 08:04 AM

Cheryl,

Thanks for your reply. I'm so sorry to hear your son is suffering with this. It can get so very bad. I too have had this problem for over a year now, and the headache hasn't let up for a single minute. It's unbelievable.

I do think that both my discs are anteriorally displaced. I have had tomos done, but my dentist did not explain them in great detail.

( I have been wearing a NM splint for 3 months with zero improvement. I'm going to see a TMJ specialist in a couple of weeks. I go back to dentist #1 tomorrow. He never made any adjustments to this NM splint I have now, and I guess tomorrow he "might" make an adjustment. Ughh!

I can't take this kind of pain and I can't take pain meds. I'm in agony, and I'm tired of all the work it seems to take and research and analyzing everything trying to find answers since nobody in the medical world has been helpful to me yet. I'm afraid for my future.

I will keep you posted on the TMJ specialist I see. I just can't believe how severe the muscle spasm is all over my head. It's unreal. I hope it's not a bad sign for prognosis.

My prayers are with you and your son. This is so hard to go through,

Looney

GenDen · 01-19-2004, 02:30 PM

Are you a clencher--day or night? This could explain the tension headaches. If the headaches are worse in the morning and your jaws feel tired, you are likely clenching in your sleep. A physical therapist can help with the headaches by working with the muscles to get them to relax. However, the cause needs to be addressed. I know your frustration.

SarahF · 01-19-2004, 05:00 PM

Yes ... I just finished a month long headache my self but the tension and pressure in my face and jaws remain.

I see a chiropractor and the treatments greatly help my headaches, especially the ones that sit at the back of my head/top of neck. It doesn't fix it by any means but it surely is helping with the pain. My splint is due in about 1 1/2 weeks. I'm READY for it.