Life just stops when you have a migraine. You can’t work, you can’t relax, and no solution seems to work fast enough.
While a migraine is often thought of as a “head” problem, more and more research is showing that many people who suffer from chronic migraines actually have a jaw problem.
How does this work, and could this be the case for you? Keep reading to learn how your dentist might be able to provide the lasting relief you’ve been looking for.
Your TMJ & Migraines
Your head, face, mouth, and neck are an interconnected system of muscles, nerves, and bones. That means when an issue develops in one area, it can easily affect those around it. Because there are so many closely packed nerve endings, it can be tough to tell where any pain is originating.
If you move your mouth from side to side, you’ll feel two small hinges in front of your ears. That is your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
Like other joints in the body, the TMJ can become strained, injured, or overworked. While some people experience problems like a stiff and painful jaw, it’s not uncommon for tension to spread to the nearby head, leading to migraine symptoms.
This TMJ to migraine connection is why many people can’t seem to find relief despite following typical migraine treatments.
What Causes TMJ Problems
The TMJ is a very complex joint, so it can develop issues that ultimately result in migraines for a wide variety of reasons:
- An uneven bite is creating high-pressure points between teeth
- Crooked teeth are causing unconscious jaw clenching/teeth grinding
- An injury to the jaw
- Arthritis in the joint
- Downstream effect of prolonged daily stress
How Your Dentist Can Help
Dentists who are trained to deal with TMJ issues can find exactly what is causing the imbalance in your jaw and correct it. This may involve making slight adjustments to your teeth or giving you a custom oral appliance to wear to bed.
They may also recommend Botox injections, which can instantly soothe aching jaw muscles and (temporarily) remove the root source of your migraines.
So, if you feel like you’ve tried everything to stop your migraines, but you haven’t talked to your dentist yet, then you have plenty of reason to hope for a more comfortable and healthier future.
About the Author
If you’re looking for relief for your headaches and migraines, Dr. Vy Tran is committed to helping you. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Since then, she has continued to hone her skills through the renowned Pankey Institute, which focuses on how disorders in the mouth can create ailments in other parts of the body.
If you struggle with constant migraines, call (410) 729-9090 or click here to schedule a TMJ disorder consultation at Transcendent Smiles.