Dealing with Jaw Pain and Headaches?

Question

After walking around campus all day, I find myself with a really bad headache from clenching my jaw all day long. I never realize it until it is too late.
How can I prevent this?

Answer 1

This is highly suggestive of a problem of long standing. One that has become an unconscious situation. There is a mild to moderate discomfort tension to the jaw and is quite defined when you bring the headache into the picture. You seem to ease the discomfort by compressing the jaw. All done unconsciously.

Should you press at the base of the skull, you will note there is some degree of discomfort from that pressure. It will be found on one side. Indicating you have a muscle tightness that is applying a torsion of the skull. You will even find some sore spots on the top of the skull as a result of this torsion.

All these conditions are highly suggestive of a considerable postural problem. May want to consider a high hip or a low shoulder as a pretty good indicator.Or, the head tipping to one side. Resultant to that muscle pulling at the base of the skull.

If you take care of the problem as it exists, your symptoms should reduce or, go away.

Answer 2

You cannot, because you are 'probably' grinding your teeth at night. Therefore see a Dentist, get him to check for grinding and then he can supply a devise that you use while asleep, so stop the grinding, which in turn will help with the clenching during the day. Good Luck

Answer 3

i do the same thing, it's so bad that the pain keeps me from sleeping at night. you need to go to your dentist and get a mouth guard that you will wear when you sleep. that will keep you from clenching or grinding your teeth. when i put mine in it only takes about 20 minutes for the pain to subside. other than that just keep some motrin on hand. good luck, i feel for ya