Understanding TMJ Problems: Symptoms Like Dizziness and Headaches

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are more than just jaw pain. These issues affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to a variety of symptoms that impact daily life. Many people are unaware that dizziness and headaches are also linked to TMJ problems. This blog will explore the symptoms, causes, and available treatment options for TMJ issues, with a focus on how Helios Physiotherapy and Rehab in Kitchener and Cambridge, ON, can provide relief.

What is TMJ Disorder? TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull, becomes misaligned or strained. The condition can be caused by teeth grinding, injury, stress, or arthritis.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

• Jaw Pain: The most common symptom, often felt near the ear.
• Dizziness: TMJ issues can affect the inner ear, which is responsible for balance.
• Headaches and Migraines: Chronic headaches are a frequent complaint among TMJ sufferers.
• Facial Pain: Pain may radiate to the cheeks, neck, and shoulders.
• Clicking or Popping Sounds: Some people hear clicking sounds when moving their jaw.

How TMJ Issues Cause Dizziness and Headaches

The TMJ is located near the inner ear, and any inflammation or misalignment in the area can disrupt the vestibular system, which controls balance, leading to dizziness. Similarly, tight jaw muscles can trigger headaches or migraines. The TMJ shares nerve pathways with other areas of the face and head. Irritation or dysfunction in the TMJ can cause referred pain, which means the pain felt in your jaw might also present as a headache or facial pain.

How Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatments Helps

Finding Relief from TMJ Pain

If your jaw feels tight, clicks, or hurts when you eat or talk, you’re not alone. Our gentle manual therapy techniques ease tension and improve how your jaw moves. Our approach focuses on easing that discomfort:

• Manual Therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques help release tension in your jaw muscles and improve the movement of your TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
• Muscle Relaxation Exercises: We’ll teach you simple exercises to loosen tight muscles around your jaw and neck.
• Postural Training: Poor posture can strain your jaw and neck. We’ll help you make small adjustments that take the pressure off and make a big difference.

Reducing Dizziness with Vestibular Therapy

Dizziness or feeling unsteady can be unsettling, but our specialized vestibular therapy techniques can help you find your balance again. You’ll feel more grounded, confident, and ready to take on your day!

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises: These include gaze stabilization and balance drills to retrain your brain and inner ear to work together more effectively.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: If your dizziness is caused by BPPV (a common inner ear issue), we can guide you through gentle head movements to resolve it quickly.
• Cervical Spine Therapy: For dizziness linked to your neck, we use manual therapy and specific neck exercises to improve mobility and reduce symptoms

Preventing Headaches

Living with headaches can drain your energy and focus. Our team works to uncover the root cause—whether it’s muscle tension, posture issues, or stress. We offer relaxing manual therapy, posture coaching, and stress-relief exercises to help you feel lighter, clearer, and headache-free.

We’re here to help ease the burden:

• Trigger Point Therapy: We target tight spots in your neck and shoulders to release tension that often causes headaches.
• Muscle Imbalance Correction: Improving your muscle imbalances can significantly reduce strain on your neck and upper back, preventing headaches before they start.
• Relaxation Techniques: Stress is a major trigger for headaches. We’ll teach you exercises and other calming strategies to keep stress in check.