Pain in the Temple

Pain in Tinningen

Pain in the temple and temple pain on the side of the head can be both painful and bothersome. Pain in the temple can be caused by muscle dysfunction / myalgia, sinusitis, cervicogenic headache (neck headache), tension headache (stress headache), neck myalgia, jaw tension, vision problems and joint restrictions in the upper neck joints - and a number of other diagnoses. We also go through some of the most common muscle knots that can cause pain in the temple in this article.

 

Our clinic departments at Vondtklinikkene (click here for a complete overview of our clinics), including in Oslo (Lambert seats) and Viken (Eidsvoll Sound og Raw wood), has a distinctively high level of professional expertise in the investigation, treatment and rehabilitation of neck pain and headaches. Contact us if you want the help of therapists with expertise in these areas.

TIP: Scroll below for to watch two training videos with exercises which can help you with headaches in the temple.

 



VIDEO: 5 Clothes Exercises against Stiff Neck and Neck Headache

Tense neck muscles and neck stiffness are among the two most common causes of headache and headaches. Such tensions can build up gradually due to physical or emotional stress - and when they become significant enough, they can also cause neck-related dizziness and headaches. Regular use of these five stretching exercises can help keep you moving, improve neck function and relieve muscle pain. Click below to view the training program performed by chiropractor Alexander Andorff.


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VIDEO: Strength Exercises for the Shoulders with Elastic

Good shoulder function is essential for better neck health and less headache. This is because stronger and more mobile shoulders act as direct relief for the upper back and neck. Think of it as a solid foundation wall from which the neck can spring. Stretch training is an effective way to get more out of shoulder training. Try to do the exercises 3-4 times a week. But also remember to take into account your own medical history and daily routine.

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"- We often recommend training with elastic band to our patients, as this is an effective but also gentle form of exercise. Via this link you can see the elastic used in the video above.”

 

Common causes of Pain in Tinning

Some of the most common causes are overload, trauma, poor sitting position at work and at home, wear and tear, muscular strain over time (especially upper trapezius og suboccipital is known to refer pain to the temple and side of the head) and mechanical dysfunction in nearby upper neck joints (eg, atlas, C1, or axis, C2). Possible diagnoses include upper trapezius myalgia, upper neck joint restriction, jaw tension, sinusitis, tension headache, stress headache, muscle dysfunction / myalgia and referred pain from nearby structures (eg upper part of the neck, jaw, upper back and cervicotoracal junction - where the neck meets breast backs).

 

- When muscle knots and tension give you Temple Pain and Headache

(Figure 1: Overview of muscle knots that can cause pain in the head and temple)

In the illustration above (figure 1) we see the pain pattern of 8 different muscle knots (musculus sternocleidomatoideus has two different reference patterns) which can cause cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic headache is the same as neck headache. This means that reduced function in the muscles and joints in the neck gives rise to headaches. When in this article there is more specific talk about pain in the temple, we should take a closer look at the following muscles:

  1. Masseter (large masticatory muscle)
  2. Semispinalis capitus
  3. Splenius cervicis
  4. Sternocleidomastoid
  5. Suboccipitalis
  6. temporalis
  7. Upper trapezius

What these muscles have in common is that they are primarily neck muscles, apart from the masseter which is the chewing muscle in the jaw. This illustrates how muscle tension and reduced neck function are among the most common causes of pain in the temple. And when we have such involvements, we naturally have to try to take more control over them by using both changes in everyday life, self-measures and possibly also physical treatment.

 

Relief and relaxation for neck tension and neck headaches

In the case of persistent neck tension and neck pain, we strongly recommend introducing relaxation techniques into your everyday life. After all, it is the case that neck pain and headaches go beyond everyday life - and can make you hyper-irritable, tired and unproductive. This is precisely why it is important to have self-measures that are easy to use. That's why our clinicians often recommend 'neck stretchers' like this one the neck hammock we show in the link below. It works by counteracting the often bent and curved neck position we have through a busy and static everyday life. The position stretches both the neck vertebrae and the neck muscles - and in this way can help to reduce the pressure in the joints and stretch the neck muscles. Other good relaxation measures can be the use of acupressure mat or reusable heat pack.

Tips: Neck hammock (The link opens in a new window)

Click on the image or link to read more about the neck hammock and how it can help your neck.

 

Where is the temple?

The temples are the areas on the side of the head. Above and in front of the ears.

 

Muscle anatomy of the temple and face

Facial Muscle - Photo Wiki

As we note from the picture above, the body's anatomy is both complex and fantastic. This, in turn, means that we must focus holistically on why the pain arose, only then can effective treatment be provided. It is also important to remember that it never does 'just muscular', there will always be a joint component, an error in movement pattern and behavior that also forms part of the problem. They work only together as a unit.

 

Some common causes / diagnoses of temple pain are:

  • Sinusitis (can cause pain and pressure in the areas where the sinuses are located, including the top of the eyes)
  • Cervicogenic headache (headache: when headaches are caused by tight neck muscles and joints, this can be a pressure in the forehead / forehead)
  • Temporomandibular Dysfunction / TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) syndrome
  • Joint locker / dysfunction in the thoracic spine, neck and / or jaw
  • Masseter (large gum) myalgia (can refer to pain in the ear and temples)
  • Splenius capitis myosis (can cause referred pain on the side of the head towards the temple)
  • Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) myalgia (known to refer to pain on the side of the head and temple)
  • Suboccipitalis myalgia / myosis (the pain pattern of this muscle goes to the side of the head and towards the temple)
  • Vision problems (maybe you need glasses or glasses fitting? 'Squeezing' with the eyes can increase muscle tension around the eyes and temple and cause headaches)
  • tension headache (stress headache gives a characteristic headache as a 'band over the side of the head and in the forehead')
  • Upper trapezius myalgia (may refer to back, forehead, jaw and forehead pain)

 



 

Rare causes of pain in the temple:

  • Fraktur
  • Infection (often with high CRP and fever)
  • Cancer
  • Temporal arteritis (often with elevated CRP)
  • Trigeminal neuralgia (neuralgia from the facial nerves, in the forehead and the side of the head, it is usually the trigeminal nerve V3 that is affected)

 

"- We strongly recommend that you do not walk with pain and discomfort for a long time. Get it investigated and actively address the problem, as such things tend to get worse and worse. Our clinic departments at The pain clinics are always ready to help you. Click here if you want to see an overview of our clinics in Norway."

 

Commonly reported symptoms and pain presentations of pain in the temple:

Deep pain in temples

- Knute i temples

- Nummen i temples

- Tired i temples

Stitching in temples

- Tightness in the temple

Støl i temples

- Wounds in temples

- Effect i temples

Tender in temples

 

Imaging diagnostic examination of temple pain

Sometimes it may be necessary imaging (X, MR, CT or diagnostic ultrasound) to determine the exact cause of the problem. Normally, you will manage without taking pictures of the head - but this is relevant if there is a suspicion of muscle damage, fractures, neck prolapse or the like. In certain cases, X-rays are also taken with the intention of checking for changes in wear and any fractures. Below you see various pictures of how the face / head looks in the different forms of examination.

 

X-ray of the temple and head

X-ray of the forehead and head - Photo Wiki

X-ray Description: Lateral angled X-ray of the skull, head and face.

MR picture (cerebrum) of normal brain and head

MRI of normal, healthy brain - Photo Wiki

MR Cerebrum description - brain: On the MR image / examination above you see a healthy brain without pathological or carcinogenic findings.

 

CT image of the head / brain (brain cancer)

CT image of brain cancer - Photo Wiki

CT image description: Here we see a CT examination of the head in so-called cross-section. In the picture you can see a white spot (A), which is a brain cancer tumor.

 

Diagnostic ultrasound of the head

This type of imaging is not normally used on adults in this area, but can be used on unborn children to see if there are any signs of head malformations.

 



List of treatments (both much alternative and more conservative):

 

Physical Examination and Treatment of Pain in the Temple

Both physiotherapists and chiropractors can help you with neck problems and possible related pain - such as headaches and pain in the temple. At the first visit, the clinician will review your symptoms and then perform a functional examination. Here you will find out which structures (muscles, joints and nerves) are involved in your pain picture. Afterwards, the physical treatment will have the main purpose of reducing pain, increasing blood circulation in the area and stimulating healing in the area.

 

– Larger Treatment Toolbox for Optimal Results

Modern chiropractors have the longest training as specialists in musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractic treatment is far more than just joint treatment, and also includes targeted treatment for soft tissue, muscles, tendons, nerves and connective tissue. At all our departments within the Vondtklinikken, you will meet evidence-based and modern chiropractors - who also have long-term further education in needle treatment (intramuscular acupuncture), pressure wave treatment, nerve mobilization techniques and traction techniques. In addition to this, our chiropractors have the right to refer for diagnostic imaging if this is medically indicated.

 

Clinically proven effect on cervicogenic headache relief

Chiropractic treatment, consisting of neck mobilization/manipulation and muscle work techniques, has a clinically proven effect on the relief of headaches. A systematic review of studies, a meta-study, conducted by Bryans et al (2011), published as «Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache» concluded that neck mobilization has a relieving, positive effect on both migraine and cervicogenic headache - and thus should be included in the standard guidelines for the relief of this type of headache. This is often combined with muscular work and home exercises.

 

References and Sources:

1. Bryans, R. et al. Evidence-based Guidelines for the Chiropractic treatment of Adults with Headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Jun;34(5):274-89.

2. Images: Creative Commons 2.0, Wikimedia, WikiFoundry

Frequently asked questions about pain in the temple:

I hurt on the side of my head. What could be the cause?

Answer: There may be several causes of pain on the side of the head towards the temple. Upper trapezius myalgia, suboccipitalis myosis and joint restrictions in the upper neck are among the most common. Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches are also quite common causes. See more options in the list earlier in the article.

Similar questions with the same answer: 'What could be the pain in the temple on the left side?', 'What can the pain in the temple on the right side be a symptom of?'

 

Has a headache in the temple. What diagnosis could this be due to?

Headaches in the temple on the left, right, or both sides are often caused cervicogenic headache (neck headache) or tension headache (stress headache) - the latter often goes like a ribbon around the head, while the former is most often one-sided.

 

What should be done with a sore jaw and neck full of muscle knots?

muscle knots have most likely occurred due to a misalignment of the muscles or a misalignment. There may also be associated muscle tension around the joints of the nearby chest, shoulder arches, jaw and neck joint. Initially, you should get qualified treatment, and then get specific exercises and stretching so that it does not become a recurring problem later in life.

 

Can foam roller help me with pain in the temple and headaches?

Yes, a foam roller can help you to mobilize your chest a little (thoracic extension), preferably in combination with the use of so-called massage balls - but if you have a persistent problem with the temple and headaches, we recommend that you contact a qualified healthcare professional within musculoskeletal subjects and receive a qualified treatment plan with associated specific exercises.

 

I think I have small balls in my temple. What can such bullets in the temple be?

If you have small balls around the temple, we recommend that you contact your GP today for further investigation. This is because we have no opportunity to see size, composition and the like by palpation through this digital medium. Normally, only the blood vessels you know on the side of the temple are there - they can be experienced as 'balls' at times, but if you are unsure, you should see your doctor. Of course, we are also interested in hearing if they are pressure sores, red, swollen, sore or painful. Feel free to also send us the duration of the problem and what you feel was the cause of the debut - for example, have you recently been ill or had the flu? Have you previously been diagnosed or treated for cancer or tumors?

 

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2 replies
  1. Sigrid says:

    Can one get dizzy from neck problems? A couple of months ago, I was told by my doctor after an MRI examination that I have 3 prolapses in the neck, one in the middle of the back and one in the lower back. After I was told about this, I have not heard from my doctor if there is anything I can and should do. I have also had pain from the ear up to the temple for a few months. It seems like this is only getting worse and worse. When I think about it, I now have every little dizziness for a few weeks and also a little nausea, but the last 3 days it has gotten considerably worse.

    Regards Sigrid (56)

    SVAR
    • Alexander v / Vondt.net says:

      Hi Sigrid,

      If neck structures, such as stiff neck joints with lack of mobility, tight neck muscles and irritation to nerves in the neck, cause dizziness, then the medical name is cervicogenic dizziness (neck-related dizziness). According to your description of your three neck prolapses, this is a clear sign that there are both disc injuries, injury tissue, muscle knots and pressure on nerves - all of which can contribute to neck-related dizziness.

      The pain you describe from the ear and up to the temple can originate from the upper neck muscles and neck joints - better known as the suboccipital muscle and the upper cervical spine. Based on what you write, it really sounds like you need a longer course of physical treatment and gradual, progressive training of the neck, shoulders and the rest of the back. The fact that you get so many prolapses and disc injuries can mean that the load exceeds your capacity - in other words that your muscles are too weak to dampen the physical loads. Feel free to contact PM via social media if you want advice in relation to a modern chiropractor or physiotherapist near you.

      If you experience constant worsening of dizziness and nausea, you are advised to discuss this with your GP as soon as possible.

      Get well!

      SVAR

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