Dominic Stone
The temple, or pterion, is a meeting point for four skull bones: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid. The temporal muscle covers this area and is used during mastication (chewing). When you clench your teeth or chew, you can feel this muscle over your temples. It is also responsible for moving the jaw from side to side and closing the jaw. Tension in the temporal muscle can lead to temple headaches, which are often caused by stress, fatigue, or poor posture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Side of the head behind the eye between the forehead and the ear |
| Bones | Frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid |
| Muscle | Temporalis |
| Function | Used during mastication (chewing) |
| Blood test | Doctors test blood for its sedimentation rate, i.e., how quickly red blood cells sink in a test tube |
| Symptoms | Flu-like symptoms, unintentional weight loss, depression, and tiredness |
| Causes | Stress, tension, anxiety, fatigue, poor posture, sinus infection, allergies, dental issues, and TMJ disorders |
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Tension headaches
The symptoms of tension headaches may include constant mild to moderate pressure and pain, a feeling of tightness or squeezing on the sides of the head, aching or tight neck and shoulder muscles, and sensitivity to light and sound. In some cases, individuals may experience fever, jaw pain when chewing or combing hair, frequent or severe headaches (especially over the age of 50), positional headaches (occurring only when lying flat or standing up), or accompanying symptoms like slurred speech, weakness, or changes in vision or balance.
If you experience tension-type headaches, there are several treatment options available. Home remedies, medications, and relaxation techniques can provide relief. Managing stress through exercises, meditation, or biofeedback may be beneficial. Maintaining good posture during reading or working, exercising the neck and shoulders, getting sufficient rest, and massaging sore muscles can also help prevent and alleviate tension headaches. However, if headaches become chronic and interfere with daily life, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for prescription medications or other therapies.
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Migraines
The temple, or pterion, is a meeting point for four skull bones: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid. The temporal muscle covers this area and is used during mastication (chewing).
Temporal arteritis, a condition where the temporal arteries on the sides of the head become inflamed, may feel like a migraine at first. However, unlike migraines, temporal arteritis makes the temples tender to the touch, and the throbbing may be constant. Temporal arteritis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to stroke and blindness if left untreated.
Tension headaches are another common cause of temple pain. They are often related to stress, fatigue, or poor posture, and can cause a dull, non-throbbing pain that feels like a tight band around the head. In some cases, tension headaches may be chronic, occurring multiple times a week or even constantly.
Other potential causes of temple pain include TMJ (temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders), sinus infections, allergies, dental issues, and problems with the middle ear.
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Temporal arteritis
The temporal muscle is located on the side of the head, behind the eye, between the forehead and the ear. Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is a condition where the arteries, particularly those at the side of the head (the temples), become inflamed. It is a serious condition that requires urgent treatment. The symptoms of temporal arteritis depend on which arteries are affected.
Some of the more general symptoms of temporal arteritis include flu-like symptoms, unintentional weight loss, depression, and tiredness. In some cases, people with temporal arteritis may also develop polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the muscles around the shoulders, neck, and hips. One of the most common symptoms of temporal arteritis is a headache, which can be frontal, occipital, unilateral, or generalized. It may be accompanied by scalp tenderness and can wax, wane, worsen, or subside before treatment begins.
It is worth noting that pressure in the temples can also be caused by factors other than temporal arteritis. For example, it can be caused by stress, tension, or anxiety, leading to tense muscles in the face, neck, or jaw. Additionally, sinus infections, allergies, and other problems affecting the sinuses can result in pressure in the temples, often accompanied by symptoms like a stuffy nose, fever, fatigue, or a runny nose.
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TMJ disorders
The temple, or pterion, is a meeting point for four skull bones: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid. Located on the side of the head behind the eye, between the forehead and the ear, the temporal muscle covers this area and is used during mastication (chewing).
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (commonly known as TMJ disorders) are conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the joint and muscles responsible for jaw movement. TMJ disorders affect more than 10 million Americans and are twice as common in women, especially between the ages of 35 and 44. While occasional jaw pain is usually temporary, some people develop long-term problems. TMJ disorders can cause pressure in the temples, forehead, eyes, cheeks, and upper teeth. They can also lead to ear pain and dizziness.
The exact causes of TMJ disorders are often unclear, but recent research suggests a combination of genes, psychological and life stressors, and individual pain perception may contribute to their development and longevity. Although there is no clear evidence that orthodontic braces or a bad bite cause TMJ disorders, researchers are exploring whether structural and mechanical differences in the TMJ between females and males play a role in the higher prevalence of TMJ disorders in women.
It is important to understand the risks associated with treatments that involve permanent changes to the jaw joints, such as surgery or TMJ implants. Organisations like the TMJ Association provide patient advocacy and support for those affected by TMJ disorders.
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Stress and anxiety
The temple, or pterion, is a latch where four skull bones intersect: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid. The temporal muscle covers this area and is used during mastication (chewing).
Managing stress and anxiety can help prevent tension headaches. This can be done through relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also provide relief.
It is important to note that temple pressure may sometimes indicate a more serious problem, such as a brain tumor, aneurysm, or temporal arteritis (inflammation of the arteries at the sides of the head). Therefore, if you experience persistent or severe temple pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
The temple, also known as the pterion, is the point at which four skull bones intersect: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid. The temporal muscle covers this area and is used during mastication.
Temple headaches can be caused by tension headaches, migraines, temporal arteritis, or TMJ disorders. Tension headaches are the most common type and are often caused by stress, anxiety, fatigue, or poor posture.
To relieve tension headaches, you can try relaxation exercises, meditation, biofeedback, massage therapy, exercise, and getting enough sleep. For migraines, you can try applying pressure to specific points on your body, such as the Feng Chi (GB-20) or Tai Yang (EX-HN5).
