TMJ Treatment

MIGRAINE HEADACHE AND TMJ SYNDROME

If you are suffering from chronic recurring headaches, then you may have TMJ syndrome. During the 1970’s, the condition was wildly misdiagnosed, but recent new imaging techniques, such as MRI’s have made diagnosis easier by allowing a better look inside the affected facial joint.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint syndrome or temporal mandibular joint dysfunction. The condition has not yet been fully understood as to what the direct cause or causes are. But it usually occurs when the joints have become worn down by constant grinding of the teeth during sleep(bruxism), become abnormally shaped due to a trauma, have a misaligned bite, have worn braces for an extended period of time, or have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. With other patients, the causes have not yet been established accordingly. Migraine sets in when the constant clenching of the jaw causes abnormal muscle spasms in the temples.

Symptoms of TMJ are: pain in and around the ear and jaw area, stiffness and/or swelling of the jaw and face, a clicking sound when the jaw is opened and closed, discomfort when chewing, spasms making the jaw lock when opened, and finally headaches.

Tests by a doctor involves studying sleeping habits, as well as grinding habits in general, a thorough examination of the jaw by way of X-rays, CT scan or an MRI , and blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis. If teeth problems are the cause, a visit to an orthodontist who specializes in TMJ treatment should be made.

Headaches may be lessened when TMJ is treated accordingly. Below are some treatments to consider which may done one at a time or in combination to have the best results to help reduce pain.
Overuse of jaw muscles. Avoid eating chewing gum, chewy candy and food that are hard to to chew, as this gives undue stress to the joints.

Dental Repairs. Have dental work done to correct an overbite, filing down and repairing of misaligned teeth.

Appliances. The dentist may make a special bite plate or splint to be worn at night to help in teeth alignment, and a night guard appliance to help stop grinding.

Medications. Treatment by heat application, anti-inflammatory medicines, and muscle relaxants may be prescribed. If the case is somewhat severe, steroids may be used for a short period.  The drug Elavil may be taken when spasms of the jaw muscles contribute to the problem.

Surgery. When all else fails, surgery is the last option to help alleviate  pain, and to repair the badly damaged joints.

In retrospect, prevention, though minimal, still plays an important part in cases of migraine headaches and TMJ. As the saying goes “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”  rings true.

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