Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Headache - Diagnosis & Treatment

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment Our Expertise & Doctors

How is a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) headache diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a TMJ headache typically involves:

Medical history and symptom review to discuss headache patterns, and any jaw-related issues.
Physical examination to assess the jaw joint, muscles, and range of motion.
Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to evaluate the structure and function of the TMJ.
Dental examination, including checking for signs of bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding), malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), or other dental issues.

How is a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) headache treated?

Treatment for TMJ headaches focuses on relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. This may include:

Medications such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and inflammation. Botulinum toxin injections may also be used for muscle-related TMJ headaches.
Physical therapy, involving exercises and therapies to strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint function.
Dental treatments such as mouthguards or splints to prevent teeth grinding and correct bite issues.
Lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques, dietary changes, and avoiding habits that strain the jaw.
Surgery in severe cases, to repair or replace the TMJ.

Check Your Coverage

This coverage checker is brought to you by Health Insured, an online resource that helps you understand your health coverage in Singapore.

Symptoms & Causes

Our Expertise & Doctors

This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.

Find a Doctor

Dementia: What You Should Know

As cases of dementia rise in Singapore, here's what you should know about the condition.

Curious about Your Brain's Health? Test It!

Health screenings for the body can give us peace of mind, so why not consider testing our brain to see if it's working at its best?

Can Working from Home Trigger Headaches?

Working from home has its perks, but it can also be the cause of those headaches. Find out what you can do about it and when to seek help.

Stroke Rehabilitation: The Key to Your Recovery?

A stroke can be life-changing, but rehabilitation can help you regain your abilities and skills during recovery.

Things That Can Help or Hurt Your Memory

Always forgetting things, like your colleagues’ names, your best friend’s birthday or where you left your house keys? Combat forgetfulness with our list of things that help and hurt your memory.