TMJ Headaches vs. Migraines

Encinitas, Carlsbad, and San Diego

Headaches can occur due to a variety of causes. One of these is a misalignment of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. Other severe and persistent headaches may be migraines or stress headaches, though at times it is difficult to differentiate among the different types. Effective treatment for TMJ headaches is best sought from a neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Mary Walsh-Cole.

 

What Causes Migraines

 

Causes of migraines are varied, and in some cases doctors have not determined what causes these recurring, debilitating headaches. Many migraines seem to occur due to constriction of the blood vessels in the brain. Others seem to be related to compression of various nerves or other neurological problems.

 

Migraines often occur in conjunction with other unpleasant symptoms including:

• Nausea
• Visual disturbances, including auras or temporary loss of vision
• Extreme sensitivity to light and sound

 

Other types of headaches can be as painful and debilitating as migraines, but if one or more of these additional symptoms accompany your headaches, they can probably be classified as true migraines.

 

Treating TMJ Headaches

 

If your headaches have not been diagnosed as true migraines, and your doctor has not discovered another cause, they might be TMJ related headaches. TMJ headaches are best treated through neuromuscular dentistry.

 

TMJ headaches occur when a misaligned bite creates unnatural stress on the joint where the lower jaw meets the temporal bone of the skull. Various nerves can become compressed, leading to headaches as well as pain in the ear, neck, shoulders or back. Neuromuscular dentistry procedures help realign this joint, easing the stress and pressure on facial nerves. Realigning the joint also reduces stress in the jaw and neck.

 

If you are in the San Diego, Encinitas or Carlsbad, California area and would like more information about TMJ headaches, please contact the offices of neuromuscular dentist Mary Walsh-Cole, DMD to schedule a consultation. With her advanced training and extensive experience in neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Walsh-Cole can help eliminate your TMJ headaches.