Headaches: What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You

March 30th, 2017

The lead researcher noted that "TMJ is very treatable, but if a jaw disorder is ignored, then treatment for a headache may not address all of the factors contributing to the headache." Many providers evaluating headache patients don't understand the relationship of these joints to chronic pain conditions. It's simply vital that every headache sufferer receives an evaluation of this region.

While migraine headaches are linked to a vascular cause, TMJ disorders can aggravate the Trigeminal nerve and trigger their onset. This major nerve links many structures in the head and neck. While not a guarantee, migraine headaches may be reduced with proper management of these associated problems.

Consider This

Review the following questions to see if your headaches may be linked to a TMJ disorder. Keep your answers to discuss with us:

• Do you wake up with headaches?
• Does your jaw ever feel stiff, locked, or sore in the morning?
• Do you have more than two headaches each week?
• Do you have pain in your jaw when you eat?
• Do you take painkillers four or more times each week for headaches?
• Does your jaw pop, click, or lock when you open?
• Have you noticed any changes in the way your teeth bite together?
• Have you noticed wear or chipping on any of your teeth?
• Do you catch yourself clenching your teeth during the day?
• Do you feel tenderness when you push on the sides of your face?
• Do you feel pain in front of your ears when you chew or open wide?

If you answered YES to three or more of these questions, there's a significant chance that you're suffering from TMJ headaches. But management of this affliction frequently involves conservative measures offering dramatic relief from pain. Our experience with TMJ headache disorders includes focusing on the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. We're here to help you or your loved ones discover optimal health and pain-free living!