Posted: February 16, 2022
Migraine headaches are often debilitating. Causing pain that can range from dull and consistent to sharp and acute, migraines may also cause pain in the face, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. The cause of migraines is not yet clearly understood by science.
TMJ is the name for a collection of disorders that cause misalignment of the jaw. When the jaw is out of alignment, muscle strain and nerve compression can result in serious consequences, including:
- Persistent head, face, and neck pain
- Ear ringing and pain
- Pain and pressure behind the eyes
- General jaw discomfort
TMJ may also produce symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, chronic back pain, and changes to the posture.
While similar both symptomatically and experientially, migraines and TMJ headaches are not the same thing. We know what causes TMJ headaches, which means we know how to treat them – and in treating the underlying condition, we can help put an end to these disruptive episodes forever.
Treating TMJ
At our comfortable practice, we offer a range of TMJ treatment options. These may include general relaxation techniques and jaw massage in addition to other lifestyle modifications. They may also include a fixed or removable orthotic device, restoration dentistry, orthodontics, and any other dental services needed to restore alignment to the bite. Once alignment is achieved, comfort is typically quick to follow.
In some cases, over-the-counter medications may be useful in helping mitigate TMJ headache pain. So too might muscle relaxants work to an extent to help ease pain. However, prescription narcotics, which are often used to treat actual migraine headaches, can be both unnecessary and unnecessarily risky for patients whose headaches are related to TMJ. Before you commit to a regimen of heavy prescriptions, come to our office for a TMJ evaluation to determine if jaw misalignment is the underlying cause.
The dentists and staff at our Hoboken office are fully committed to helping you find relief from chronic pain. Give us a call at 201-792-9400 to schedule a consultation and learn more. We serve Weehawken, Jersey City, North Bergen, and all nearby areas of New Jersey.
