The Source of Your Migraines? It Might Be TMJ

Migraines are common, yet many individuals are unaware that visiting a dentist may provide relief. 

One in 10 individuals, spanning children to adults, suffers from migraine pain. These debilitating migraines may result from TMJ disorder, a condition that leads to swelling or inflammation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These joints on either side of the jaw function as hinges during chewing or speaking. 

TMJ disorders are more prevalent than expected, affecting almost half of the United States population. They might be responsible for your migraines. 

The skilled dental professionals at Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale, in The Bronx and Riverdale, New York, offer comprehensive oral care, including treatment for TMJ disorders, which can cause migraines.  

What’s the difference between a migraine and a regular headache?   

Unlike a headache, a migraine occurs repeatedly and is characterized by a throbbing pain. The pain may affect one or both sides of your head, and you could be highly sensitive to light, sound, smells, and stress. Additionally, you might experience episodes of nausea.  

How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?

To determine if you have TMJ disorder, observe the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw
• Clicking sounds while yawning or eating
• Tightness in the jaw muscles

If you experience these indicators of TMJ disorder and can also identify some migraine symptoms, these problems may be connected.

How can I relieve migraine pain caused by TMJ disorder?

You can take several simple steps to relieve pain from TMJ disorder, such as:  

• Avoid hard foods that need extensive chewing  
• Manage stress to prevent jaw clenching  
• Refrain from chewing gum  
• Perform jaw exercises  
• Apply ice to your jaw  

Though these home remedies can provide relief, many individuals require medical assistance from an experienced professional. 

Can a dentist help migraines?

Dr. Faiwiszewski and our team begin by offering various conservative treatment options for your TMJ disorder, including: 

Nightguards: Custom-fit guards worn overnight to alleviate teeth grinding or clenching pain.

OTC anti-inflammatories: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation.

Prescription medications: If anti-inflammatories are ineffective, prescriptions like muscle relaxers can help ease jaw tension. Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants may also alleviate TMJ symptoms.

Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the jaw muscles can be helpful as an alternative to more invasive treatments.

Surgical procedures: In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to address the issue, and various methods are available to correct structural defects or remove debris from joints. 

At Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale, we recognize the pain and severity of migraines, particularly those originating from TMJ, and are committed to identifying the most effective treatment options for you. Contact us or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Faiwiszewski today.