Your Migraines Could Be Due to TMJ Disease
Anyone who has ever suffered from recurring migraines knows that the pain from these severe headaches can be debilitating, if not downright crippling. Migraines have many different potential causes, but one that is frequently overlooked is TMJ disease. Taking its name from the temporomandibular joint that connects the jaw to the skull, TMJ disease is a serious problem that afflicts as many as 10 million Americans – and many are unaware that they are even suffering from the disease. If you’re coping with regular migraines and you’re not sure of the cause, you could be dealing with TMJ dysfunction. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for various TMJ ailments – but the first step is determining whether the joint is the root of your pain.
How can TMJ problems cause migraines? The answer is quite simple: Since the temporomandibular joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, any damage to the area would be immediately apparent each and every time the sufferer attempted to talk, eat, chew or swallow. Due to the joint’s location and functionality, a headache is one of the most common indicators of this serious affliction. TMJ disease can be attributed to anything from stress to poor diet to a misaligned bite that was never corrected, so virtually anyone may be at risk.
Still, not every migraine sufferer can trace their headaches to TMJ problems. How can you be sure that your migraines are connected to your TMJ? Here are a few other common symptoms of a TMJ disorder; if you’ve displayed several of these, it may be time to contact your dental health professional for a consultation:
-Aches and pains in and around the face, neck, shoulders, ears and eyes
-Clicking or popping sounds from the jaw joint while eating, talking or chewing
-Difficulty chewing and swallowing, especially when eating chewy or “toothsome” foods
-Jaw pain
-Difficulty opening and/or closing the mouth
Remember, only a dentist with experience in treating TMJ disease can help you treat this problem correctly, so if you suspect that your migraines may be due to temporomandibular joint disorder, call your dentist today to make an appointment. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your migraines will go away on their own. Relief may be just around the corner – but first you need to accurately diagnose the problem! Look for a specialist in neuromuscular dentistry and find out how you can reclaim your life by eliminating your pain.