Migraines are extremely painful, and they can prevent you from doing even basic tasks. If you regularly suffer from them, you might do your best to avoid common triggers, such as certain smells, loud sounds, and bright lights. But did you know that the health of your jaw joint might also be contributing to your migraine attacks? This blog post explores the connection between TMJ disorder and migraines. It also sheds some light on how you might be able to find relief.
TMD and Migraines — How Are they Connected?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) happens when the jaw joint (TMJ) becomes damaged or inflamed. In turn, this can cause pain and tension in the surrounding muscles and other tissues. Because of its potential to cause widespread symptoms, TMD has long been acknowledged as a cause of problems like neck pain, facial pain, and headaches.
Of course, migraines are a lot more complicated than regular headaches. They are a neurological disorder that doctors do not yet completely understand. However, there is some research that shows a connection between migraines and TMD.
Research from the University of São Paulo in Brazil examined 84 women in their 30s. Among them, 21 were chronic migraine patients, and 31 experienced episodic migraines. The remaining participants had no history of migraine attacks. (Chronic migraine sufferers have attacks more than 15 days per month, while people with episodic migraines have attacks fewer than 15 days each month.)
The study found that the women with chronic migraines were three times as likely as the control group to experience severe symptoms of TMJ disorder. The participants with episodic migraines also had a heightened risk of TMD compared to those who had no history of migraines.
Why Are They Connected?
The above data is certainly interesting, but it does not necessarily mean that TMD causes migraines. Rather, problems with the jaw joint might simply be a trigger for the underlying cause of migraine attacks. More research must be conducted before the medical community can confidently explain how these issues are connected.
Can TMD Treatment Reduce Migraine Frequency?
If you have symptoms of TMD, such as jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and facial soreness, it would certainly be worth your time to consult with a qualified dentist. After examining your TMJ, they might recommend that you start using a custom orthotic splint, which can be worn at night and can significantly reduce tension in your jaw joints. It might also help to reduce the frequency of your migraine attacks.
Migraines and TMD are a terrible combination! Hopefully, improving the health of your jaw joints will allow you to enjoy less pain and a more active, fulfilling life.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Leslie Metzger is a highly accomplished dentist with many years of experience. Under her leadership, our team is proud to offer custom oral appliances to help individuals who are suffering from TMJ disorder. If you believe you could benefit from our services, or if you simply want to find out more about us, contact Monet Aesthetic Dentistry in Farmington at 248-476-3410.