Headaches, Neck & Jaw pain – Conditions We Treat
At the Queensland TMJ & Headache Centre, we treat a variety of conditions relating to the jaw, neck, and head. This includes TMJ dysfunctions including TMD, jaw pain, clicking, clenching and locking, headaches and migraines, neck pain and whiplash, vertigo, and tinnitus. If you are looking for more information about the conditions we frequently treat, common mechanisms of injury, and expected treatment outcomes please review further below.
TMJ and Jaw Pain
The TMJ is our jaw joint, and you have one located on either side of your jaw. ‘TMD’ or ‘temporomandibular dysfunction’ describes a wide array of conditions that occurs when our jaw is not functioning optimally. Your jaw is a complex joint and is guided by a series of complex muscles, ligaments, and an articular disc. It is also very closely linked to posture and positioning of our cervical spine (the neck!), and our upper back. When jaw dysfunctions occur symptoms can include; clicking, popping, locking, jaw pain, jaw stiffness, fatigue with chewing, and difficulty opening wide just to name a few. Ever wondered exactly what causes your jaw to click or pop while eating? Ever wondered why you can’t open your jaw wide enough to eat a burger?
Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines are debilitating conditions that affect the nervous system. Each individual has a unique set of symptoms associated with their headache or migraine experience, and treatment needs to be tailored accordingly. In a study completed by the World Health Organisation in 2013, headache sufferers have been ranked the third highest cause of disability in the world. Ever wondered why you get headaches every month and your friends and colleagues do not? Ever wondered why you still get a headache no matter how much water you drink?
Neck Pain and Stiffness
Neck pain and stiffness if a frustrating condition that can affect almost all aspects of our day, from having trouble getting comfortable of a night, to waking up sore, relying too much on your mirrors when driving your car, and being uncomfortable all day at your desk, or while playing with your kids. Neck pain and stiffness can vary greatly in severity from stiffness only at the extremes of range, to constant debilitating pain in your neck and/or down your arm with/without the involvement of cervical discs and compromised nerves. Ever wondered why the base of your neck is sore at the end of each workday? Ever wondered why every massage therapist you’ve ever seen has mentioned how tight your shoulders are?
Whiplash
Whiplash or Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) is a disorder that describes a specific injury or trauma to the neck. We have all experienced some form of whiplash in our lives, whether it be from a minor car accident, sudden jolt or fall, or getting bumped a bit too hard on the dodgem or bumper cars. But why do your symptoms continue to persist after the injury has occurred? Why does your neck continue to cause you issues sometimes years down the track?
Vertigo
Vertigo is a debilitating condition in which you and/or the room is spinning. Vertigo attacks vary greatly in both duration and intensity and can have a profound impact on your daily life. Attacks can leave you bed bound for days, or nervous for months about venturing outside in the fear of another attack. Each individual’s symptoms are unique and require an individualised assessment and treatment. Ever wondered why you feel giddy every time you turn your head too quick? Ever considered how your balance may be declining with age?
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is when a person experiences a sound, most commonly that of a high pitched ringing noise, in one or both ears. Have you been tested by the audiologist and ENT and still have no answers? Have you ever had your neck and jaw assessed?