Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head SC
Jaw joint disorder or TMJ disorder can have devastating effects if not treated properly. Many TMJ sufferers complain of frequent headaches or migraines, and that medication does not provide lasting relief. While anti-inflammatories and pain relievers are designed to do just that, they cannot treat the cause of the pain. Therefore, combating symptoms of TMJ disorder can seem like a constant and draining battle that never ends unless you seek the help of a TMJ dentist near you. Dr. Chris Mohler, a neuromuscular dentist in Beaufort that treats TMJ disorder, explains the connection between this disorder and headaches. Plus, find out how to treat your chronic headaches instead of masking the pain.
Why does TMJ disorder cause headaches?
The connection between TMJ disorder and headaches is simple – the trigeminal nerve. This prominent nerve sends a significant amount of sensory information from your jaws to your brain. It provides sensation to the face, head, and jaw, alerting the brain of temperature changes and pain. Consisting of three branches – the lower branch (the mandibular nerve) is responsible for motor functions like chewing and swallowing. Other branches of the nerve include the maxillary (upper jaw) and ophthalmic (the eye area and forehead).
When the trigeminal nerve is compressed, like in cases of TMJ disorder, it sends pain signals to the brain, which may result in frequent headaches. Other causes of trigeminal nerve pain may be due to facial injuries or tumors. Therefore, it is essential to see a Bluffton TMJ dentist if you experience ongoing facial or head pain, especially if it includes pain in the jaw joints.
What is causing my headaches?
Headaches can be brought on by many different factors like dehydration, poor sleep habits, injury to the head, stress, bruxism, and TMJ disorder. Therefore, it is essential to pinpoint the cause of your pain before you seek treatment. Your headaches may be related to untreated TMJ disorder if you experience additional symptoms like pain in the jaw joints or facial pain, toothaches, earaches, difficulty chewing, or noises from your jaw joints when opening and closing your jaw. However, there are several other symptoms of TMJ disorder. Another sign that your headaches may be related to TMJ disorder is if they continue occurring despite making lifestyle modifications like sleeping better, reducing stress, and staying hydrated. If you experience headaches along with other TMJ disorder symptoms, your pain could be emanating from your jaw joints, and a Beaufort TMJ dentist can help.
How Dr. Mohler can help stop headaches
The first step in determining whether your headaches are related to TMJ disorder is to observe your jaw’s range of motion, gently palpate the jaw joints as your open and close, and feel around the area for inflammation. Digital scans and diagnostics like x-rays and CBCT scans help by providing a complete inside look at the jaw joints and facial anatomy. Dr. Mohler uses his expertise paired with neuromuscular dentistry to develop treatment plans for TMJ disorder. Treating TMJ disorder involves reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow to the area, and establishing a comfortable bite to prevent aggravating the jaw joints, nerves, and surrounding musculature repeatedly. Treatment may include anti-inflammatories initially, lifestyle modifications, corrective dental treatments, or wearing a custom-made oral appliance. An oral appliance can help relieve TMJ-related headaches by holding the jaw in proper alignment during sleep, and it absorbs shock and pressure if the patient has bruxism or clenches and grinds their teeth. In turn, the oral orthotic relieves pressure on the jaw joints, alleviating jaw joint pain, headaches, and other TMJ disorder symptoms. To find out which treatment is best for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohler today.
Headache Relief in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head
Dr. Mohler has freed many patients from chronic headaches and TMJ-related pain. Is it time for you to take the first step toward a better, healthier life that frees you from pain? Schedule a TMJ evaluation today by contacting Chris Mohler, DDS, at (843) 522-1442 or complete a Contact Form.