Many Americans suffer from chronic migraine headaches. Frequently, they are forced to endure the debilitating pain of these headaches without relief for years and years. What most people don’t realize is that these headaches might be brought on by a jaw problem.
What are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders (TMD) occur when your temporomandibular joint is out of alignment. The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull. It enables the jaw to function properly.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 5-15% of Americans suffer from TMD. These disorders are more common in women than men. Most of the cases of TMD occur in women ages 30-50.
Frequently, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of TMD. However, some of the most common causes include:
· Arthritis
· Grinding your teeth at night
· Dislocation of the disk between the jawbone and jaw socket
People suffering from TMD often exhibit many symptoms. Some of these include:
· Jaw pain
· Ear pain
· Problems chewing
· Facial pain
· Locking jaw
· Headaches
· Migraines
· Clicking or popping in your jaw
· Uneven bite
Who Should Treat My TMJ Disorder?
If you are suffering from TMD, you need to visit a neuromuscular dentist. These dentists specialize in realigning your jaw.
Your neuromuscular dentist should do several things on your initial visit. He should go over your medical history. He should also feel your jaw as you open and close it, listening for clicking or popping noises. He should check for proper range of motion in your jaw and irregularities in your bite. He will also examine your teeth for signs of regular grinding, and identify areas of pain around your jaw.
Treatment Options
Every once in awhile, your symptoms will clear up on their own. However, if your pain persists over time, you have several options.
TMD can be treated with a variety of medications, including:
· NSAIDs – over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen (these are frequently not strong enough to relieve the pain)
· Tricyclic antidepressants
· Muscle relaxants – these can be very effective, but are addictive and should only be taken for a short period of time
· Corticosteroid drugs – these are injected into the joint space and are very effective
Several devices can also provide you with relief from your symptoms and correct the problem causing your TMD. Some of these include:
· Bite guard – wear it at night to prevent grinding your teeth
· Orthotic – a device worn over your teeth to correct your bite
If these treatments don’t work, surgery might be necessary.
Stress can also contribute to TMD. When you are highly stressed, you are more likely to grind your teeth at night. Sometimes, stress management techniques can help cure your symptoms. Some good stress management techniques include deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, and yoga.
About the Author:
If you live in the Dallas, Texas area and think you might be suffering from TMD, please visit the website of Smile ‘n Share It. Dr. Ragnell is very experienced in the field of neuromuscular dentistry and can help solve your TMD problems.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/are-your-headaches-the-result-of-a-jaw-problem-582749.html
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