Headaches and other head issues

[ChristopherB]

I get Tension headaches. I'm fairly certain that this has to do with my extremely stiff neck and jaw. However, other issues also exist...

On the top of my head, there's an odd sore spot, pretty much on the hump of the head, at the very top. I'm fairly certain that this has to do with my hair, as pressing the spot without excess force doesn't hurt. It only feels sore when my hair and the hair roots are pressed down as well.

Additionally, I can't complete a yawn. I don't know exactly what to make of that.

Is there anything that can be deduced just from these symptoms here?

[ChristopherB]

At times like this, I wish I could afford medical care. Sadly, I can't with American prices...

Anyway, moving past the TMJD, is it possible that the headaches themselves are caused by stress? I've been under extreme stress the past several weeks and my head has been aching all the time. However, when I manage to get a time where I'm stress free, they disappear instantly... Does stress and anxiety actually cause, and not just be a byproduct of, headaches?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
To rule out TMJD diagnosis, it is best to see your doctor or a dentist. They  will check muscles in the area of the TMJ, look for asymmetry or inflammation in your face, listen for joint clicking or scraping sounds, test the range of motion in your jaw, and examine your teeth for evidence of jaw clenching or teeth grinding. With the diagnosis they will determining which treatment or combination of therapies will work best for you.

Take care and keep us posted.

[ChristopherB]

Hold on, opening that jaw causes the pain in the back of my head to be right next to my right ear.... Could that be TMJD?

[ChristopherB]

It opens and closes just fine, but if I open it widely (As far as most people do during a yawn), then it causes a pain in the back of my head. This is a common symptom of tension headaches, I'm told.

The sore spot is the one that has me wondering most, to be honest.

[Dr Santos]

How are you? A common problem affecting the jaw joint is called temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), where the jaw joint does not open or close correctly. The most common symptoms include: pain ,usually a dull ache in and around the ear, cheek bone or neck; headache  especially in the morning, jaw joint clicking  or jaw locking; Symptoms may be worse during  certain everyday activities such as chewing or yawning, and you may find they are worse if you are stressed.

I hope this helps. Take care and keep us posted.