Headache Treatment Houston
Open the Door to More Pain-Free Days
Nearly everyone experiences a headache from time to time. Things like stress, tiredness, caffeine withdrawal, and many other issues can trigger this painful symptom. Even TMJ disorder (TMD) can be a culprit behind head pain! If you often experience headaches and believe you have TMD, Dr. Hall and our Houston team would love to help you open the door to more pain-free days. Get in touch with us today to request a consultation, or continue reading below to learn more about the link between TMD and headaches.
The Connection Between TMJ Disorder & Headaches
The human body is a complex network of tissues; what happens in one part can have profound effects on other parts.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the joints involved with the movements of your lower jaw. They play a major role in speaking, biting, and chewing. They are also quite complex and somewhat delicate. When they become damaged or inflamed, you can develop TMJ disorder (TMD), a condition that can describe any number of problems with the TMJs.
When the TMJ and controlling muscles are not working properly, it can trigger tension in other nearby muscles. A headache, which may feel like squeezing pressure throughout your temples and jaw, can be the result. As long as TMD remains unaddressed, these headaches are likely to keep recurring and intensifying.;
TMJ Disorder & Migraines
A lot of people think that migraines are simply “really bad headaches,” but that is not true. Migraine is actually a complex neurological disorder. Not only can migraine attacks be painful, but they can also be accompanied by symptoms like visual aura, nausea, and more.
Due to the complex nature of migraines, we cannot say that TMD actually causes them. However, it can trigger them. It might do so by causing muscle tension and irritating the trigeminal nerve, which is the largest nerve in the face. It carries important sensory pathways, and when it is irritated, migraines may result.
Of course, having migraines does not automatically mean that you have TMD. However, if you have jaw pain and other TMD symptoms along with your migraine attacks, there is a chance they are related. Patients that have been treated for TMJ have seen significant decreases in headaches and migraine headaches.
How TMJ Therapy Can Treat Headaches
Many patients have found that TMJ therapy reduces the frequency and intensity of their headaches and migraines. For example, a custom orthotic splint can gently allow improved functional range of your lower jaw in a way that reduces teeth grinding and encourages your facial muscles to relax. That relaxation, in turn, can lower the risk that a headache or migraine will be triggered.
Dr. Hall has special expertise in the treatment of TMJ disorder, and he has already helped countless patients find relief from their symptoms. A consultation with our team might be the first step on your path to less pain and a higher quality of life!