There are a few causes of TMJ migraines and headaches. One of the most common is a jaw or bite imbalance. Other common causes are injuries such as a fracture or dislocation or a medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
However, there can be other “triggers” outside of the cause which can exacerbate headaches or migraines. The triggers can be things like stress, whether it is physical, emotional, dietary, chemical or hormonal, as examples. The pain of TMJ headaches or migraines is typically from the jaw muscles that are under strain from the jaw imbalance.
In order to treat the symptoms of TMJ, headaches and migraines as only a few of many potential symptoms, the jaw must be balanced and the muscles allowed to relax and heal. A physiologic dentist can have day and night oral appliances fabricated in positions that maintain relaxed muscles and allow healing.
Other important things to help with healing are good nutrition, certain dietary supplements, initially a softer diet, adjunctive therapies such as ultrasound or laser treatment, massage therapy, physiotherapy, trigger point injections, relaxation techniques and others.
“If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ such as headaches, we will do everything possible to help determine the cause of your headaches and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to manage your pain and improve your overall quality of life. Don’t wait. Waiting for treatment usually makes things worse, causing more pain which makes your life miserable. Please don’t do that to yourself.”
