BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has opened up about suffering from "awful headaches" most mornings due to a health condition that causes pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
The 54 year old broadcaster announced in November 2024 that she would be stepping down from her role as host of Radio 2's Breakfast show after six years, with Scott Mills taking over.
The radio DJ hosted the show for the last time this Friday morning (December 20). In a candid Instagram post, she revealed she has temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which affects jaw movement, according to NHS guidelines.
Discussing her condition, the mother-of-one wrote: "I have TMJ and wake most days with awful headaches from tension and jaw clenching."
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She shared before and after photos of her face, expressing gratitude to the clinic that has been helping her manage her symptoms.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms include pain around the jaw, ear, and temple, headaches around the temples, and difficulty opening the mouth fully, according to the NHS website.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joints, which connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. These joints are essential for movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning.
When there's an issue with the TMJ, it can lead to discomfort and various symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the severity and cause.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorders
- Jaw Injury : Trauma to the jaw or joint area.
- Arthritis : Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the joint.
- Bruxism : Habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, often during sleep.
- Misaligned Bite : Issues with how the teeth fit together.
- Stress : Leading to tension in the jaw muscles.
- Connective Tissue Disorders : Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that affect joint stability.
Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw.
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the joint during movement.
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing.
- Locking of the joint, making it hard to open or close the mouth.
- Headaches, earaches, or neck pain related to jaw strain.
- Swelling on the side of the face.
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Physical Examination : Checking for pain, movement range, and sounds in the joint.
- Imaging Tests : X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to examine the joint's structure.
- Dental Evaluation : Assessing bite alignment and wear patterns on teeth.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the severity and cause, and can include:
Self-Care Measures :
- Applying ice or heat packs to reduce pain and swelling.
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods.
- Stress management techniques.
Medication :
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Dental Interventions :
- Bite guards or splints to prevent grinding.
- Orthodontics or dental work to correct misalignment.
Physical Therapy :
- Jaw exercises to strengthen and relax muscles.
Invasive Treatments :
- Injections (e.g., corticosteroids or Botox) for severe cases.
- Surgery (rare and typically last resort).
Zoe Ball quits to 'focus on family'
On November 19, during her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Ball announced that she felt it was time for her to "step away from the very early mornings and focus on family".
Ball took over the morning programme from Chris Evans in 2019. Mills, who hosted Radio 2's weekday afternoon programme from 2-4pm, will begin fronting the programme from early January.
Ball took a hiatus from her show during the summer, returning in September. In April 2024, she announced the passing of her mother, Julia Peckham.
She was previously wed to Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, and they have two children together, son Woody Fred Cook, born in 2000, and daughter Nelly, born in 2010.
Ball topped the list as the BBC's highest-earning female presenter on-air in 2023/24, with a salary between £950,000 and £954,999, placing her second on the list of top earners behind Gary Lineker, according to the corporation's annual report published in July.
She made history as the first female host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show in 1998, a position she held until 2000. She co-hosted the BBC's Saturday morning children's magazine Live and Kicking with Jamie Theakston for three years from 1996.
If you suspect you have TMJ, consult a healthcare provider or dentist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
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