TMJ Symptoms
TMJ Migraines and Headaches
Headaches and migraines are conditions that many people suffer from. These frustrating ailments can be severe and chronic, leading to a lower quality of life and even more severe health issues down the road. While some people attribute their issues to sinus troubles or stress, it may come as a surprise that TMJ disorders can be the cause of the problem. Tension headaches and migraines are common among those who suffer from issues related to the way their teeth bite and function and its effect on the Temporo-Mandibular Joint. This lesser-known issue can cause problems that are hard to ignore. But treating migraines and headaches is easier once patients and physicians understand the disorder has a dental component.

Tension Headaches
Tension Headaches
These are headaches that arise from muscle spasms caused by long term clenching or grinding of the teeth. Tension headaches are basically muscle strains called trigger points. Trigger points are mini-spasms of the muscle in question. Tension headaches are usually from the ‘Temporalis muscle’ in the temple area of the head. These are the nasty midday headache that makes you want to massage your temples.
The cause of the muscle strain is bite related. How you use muscles of the jaw to bite can create strain in the temporalis muscle and when the muscle fatigues, the trigger point forms and the pain radiates out. Massaging the area behind the eyes will help relieve the pain to some extent.
Other muscles can be involved with tension headaches and these include the front and back neck muscles. The sternocleidomastoid muscle in front of the neck can give you a headache above your eyes. The Trapezius muscle at the back of your neck can cause a headache behind the ears and behind your eyes (the latter is often mistaken for a “Sinus Headache”).

Finding a TMJ Migraine and Headache Cure
One of the main ways to treat TMJD related migraines and headaches is to ensure proper blood flow to the skull. This can sometimes be done with the help of an upper cervical chiropractor. In addition, some people utilize a dental therapy directed to ensure that teeth do not create muscle and structural strain and that stimulus to grind their teeth is reduced. TMJD related Migraine treatment and headache treatment can help patients deal with pain and prevent or reduce the occurrence.
Understanding the root cause of these issues allows health care providers to implement the TMJD related migraine and headache therapy that you want.
TMJ.Today offers educational courses designed to help sufferers of TMJ disorders and physicians further their understanding of this issue and its symptoms. To find out more, click here.

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