TMJ Migraines & Headaches

At Dion Health Services, we offer treatments that can greatly reduce migraines and headaches caused by TMJ disorders.

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Treating Symptoms of TMJ: Migraines & Headaches

If you're regularly experiencing migraines or headaches, they could be a result of untreated TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. TMJ headaches are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, but they can have a major impact on your day-to-day comfort and quality of life. These headaches are primarily caused by tension in the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull, leading to pain that can sometimes be mistaken for regular headaches.

For anyone dealing with frequent, unexplained headaches, it's important to consider whether TMJ might be the culprit. These headaches often come with other symptoms, such as jaw pain, clicking or popping noises when you open your mouth, and even earaches. At Dion Health Services, our TMJ specialists can determine the root cause of your migraines or headaches and help you find the most effective treatment option.

Dr. Samadian talks about TMJ

The Connection Between TMJ and Headaches

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing for the movements necessary for speaking and chewing. Located on each side of the head, these hinge-like joints are vital for jaw function. Dysfunction can cause pain, limited movement, and difficulty with daily activities like eating and speaking. Temporomandibular joint disorders are also known to regularly cause headaches. These joints are located between the jaw and the skull , and problems in this area can lead to head pain. Pain from TMJ disorders is often felt in the temples. This pain can mimic tension headaches or even migraines. When TMJ muscles are tense or strained, they may trigger headache pain as well. Possible causes for TMJ headaches include the following:

Teeth grinding or clenching
Jaw injuries
Arthritis

Monitoring and addressing TMJ symptoms can alleviate associated headaches. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can contribute to this issue and should be managed effectively to reduce discomfort and other TMJ-related symptoms.

Treatments for TMJ Migraines and Headaches

Effective treatments for TMJ migraines and headaches can improve your quality of life. Depending on the specifics of your TMJ disorder and the details of your headaches, there are various treatments that may relieve your discomfort.

Medications

Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications.
Muscle Relaxants: These can reduce muscle tension and spasms in your jaw.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and pain.

Dental Treatments

Mouthguards: Wearing a mouthguard at night can prevent teeth grinding, reducing stress on your jaw. At Dion Health Services, our dental professionals can fit you with a customized mouthguard that will significantly reduce TMJ-related symptoms.
Orthodontic Treatment: Braces or other dental work can help align your teeth and jaw properly, which can reduce strain on your TMJ.
Restorative Dental Work: Dental corrections such as crowns or bridges can improve your bite and reduce TMJ symptoms. These treatments also have the major benefits of improving your oral health and the aesthetics of your smile.

Therapies

Physical Therapy: Exercises designed to strengthen and stretch jaw muscles can be beneficial in relieving stress on your temporomandibular joint and reducing discomfort.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage stress and pain caused by TMJ disorders.
Massage Therapy: Targeting the jaw muscles with massage therapy can sometimes relieve tension and reduce TMJ headaches and migraines.

Lifestyle Changes

Dietary Adjustments: Eating softer foods can alleviate jaw stress, which can lead to a reduction in TMJ headaches and migraines.
Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can reduce stress-related tension. This can eliminate the tension around your jaw and eliminate TMJ headaches.
Posture Improvements: Maintaining good posture can reduce unnecessary strain on your jaw, leading to fewer headaches and migraines.

These treatments offer various ways to manage and alleviate TMJ-related headaches and migraines effectively. At Dion Health Services, we offer various dental treatments that can be effective in reducing pain caused by TMJ. We also offer other effective treatment options for TMJ disorders, including BOTOX, posture training, and platelet-rich plasma injections.

Why Choose Dion Health Services for TMJ Treatment?

At Dion Health Services, our practice boasts a multi-specialty team of renowned medical and dental professionals, including several qualified TMJ specialists. When you visit our clinic to treat your TMJ headaches or migraines, your provider will take the time to understand the intricacies of your situation and devise a personalized care plan that suits your needs. Our core values include trust, respect, and top-tier care, and we take great pride in consistently delivering exceptional results and a comfortable patient experience.