Meta: The temporomandibular joint of the jaw may be causing those chronic migraine headaches.
Sometimes things really are all in our heads. We can easily feel judged by others who aren’t judging us, or swear we saw something move out of the corner of our eye when we really didn’t. But one thing that some people have long believed could just be ‘all in your head’ is migraine pain from a condition called temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a condition which occurs when the temporomandibular joint of the jaw (the joint which hinges the lower jaw to the skull) pops in and out of the jaw. This can cause many negative side effects, including jaw pain and stiffness, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, tinnitus, head, neck, back, and shoulder aches, and yes, even migraine headaches.
That’s because according to research, temporomandibular joint dysfunction can cause spasms of the joint, which can in turn cause a headache. Not just any headache, either. In fact, studies have shown that people with temporomandibular joint dysfunction are more likely to have migraine headaches than tension headaches.
But why? Well, it’s believed that its due to the trigeminal nerve, which can be strained during use in those with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and in turn causing migraine symptoms.
If you are a regular migraine sufferer and also have TMJ dysfunction, or suspect you may have this debilitating condition, reach out to Dr. Abelar and schedule a consultation. Dr. Abelar has solutions that can help not just ease the pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and possibly reduce your amount of migraines, he can realign the joint itself, treating the problem at the source and hopefully realigning the jaw in the interim.
If you suffer from migraines, it is also a great idea to speak with a headache specialist to be sure to rule out any other serious conditions that may be occurring. While it is not likely anything too serious, it always helps to get things checked out just in case.
Then, when you’re ready, contact Dr. Abelar for a consultation for your temporomandibular joint pain. Dr. Abelar offers custom TMJ dysfunction orthotics such as bite guards to help prevent pain from worsening and to help ease the pressure on the temporomandibular joint. While individual treatments may vary depending on the individual patient, Dr. Abelar can get you back to feeling like yourself again.
