Migraines are a type of headache causing intense, pulsing, or throbbing pain on the sides of head. These painful episodes can last for days and be accompanied by nausea and dizziness and cause the sufferer to be highly sensitive to light and sounds. Unfortunately, migraines commonly reoccur, making long-term treatment difficult. Furthermore, discovering the cause of migraines often baffles medical professionals. But Dr. Priya Mistry of The TMJ Doc in Vancouver, Washington wants you to understand the commonalities and differences between Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder and Migraines to better pinpoint the source of your head pain.
TMJ Disorder is dysfunction of the jaw joints as well as the surrounding muscles, soft tissue, blood supply, and nerves that directly connect or are close to the brain. Understanding the relationship between TMJ Disorder and Migraines is the first step in finding relief. This comprehensive guide, presented by Dr. Mistry, a TMJ Dentist near Portland, Oregon underscores the importance of an integrated approach when treating Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and Migraines.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ Disorder or Dysfunction involves an imbalance in the jaw joints and/or dysfunction in the muscles that surround and support the jaw. Your jaw joints connect the jawbone (mandible) to your skull and the joints are located on either side of your face near your ears. Within the jaw joints are articular disc, bones, and ligaments. Surrounding the jaw joints are muscles, fascia and nerves – particularly the trigeminal nerve. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD) symptoms may arise when the jaw is out of alignment and/or when the muscles of the head, neck, and jaw enter into a dysfunctional state. Symptoms associated with TMJ/TMD include but are not limited to jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing your jaw, clicking or locking jaw, neck pain, ear pain, tooth pain, gum pain, numbness or tingling in the face, stuffy ears, dizziness, and persistent headaches of migraine-like intensity. When TMJ Dysfunction develops, it can cause inflammation, reduced blood flow, worn cartilage, damage to the surrounding soft tissue, and referred pain throughout the trigeminal nerve path. TMJ Dysfunction and its symptoms can be significant enough to cause chronic pain and limited jaw function – which can create a tremendous negative impact on quality of life.
The Trigeminal Nerve and Head Pain
The trigeminal nerve is the most significant neuropathway in the head that provides sensory and motor functions to the ophthalmic (eye) region, and upper and lower jaws as it is responsible for biting and chewing. This major nerve connects to the spinal cord and is close to the temporomandibular joints and branches off into the upper and lower jaw. Therefore, when the trigeminal nerve is compromised, it may cause pain anywhere along its path from the teeth, or the face, head (in the form of headaches), neck, back, or extremities. With TMJ/TMD, the trigeminal nerve is often compressed by surrounding inflamed muscles and fascia, leading to mild, moderate, or severe pain.
What are Migraines?
Migraines are a severe type of headache that produce intense, throbbing pain. Migraine symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. The difference between migraines and regular headaches is that migraines are usually debilitating to the point where the sufferer is unable to perform their usual daily activities, and pain is often difficult to manage without medical intervention. Whereas traditional headaches can often be relieved with rest, hydration, or over-the-counter pain medication.
Are TMJ headaches and migraines the same?
TMJ Dysfunction headaches and migraines are technically different conditions. However TMJ/TMD CAN cause migraine-like headaches. It’s essential to identify and treat the cause in order to achieve optimal relief. But understanding their differences is the first step in managing your chronic pain.
- Pain Location: TMJ headaches AND migraines can occur around the temples and jaw area of the head or can produce pain anywhere in the head. Both types of headaches can be one-sided.
- Pain Occurrence: TMJ head pain and Migraines can occur upon waking up OR can come on throughout the day.
- Pain Triggers: TMJ headaches and Migraines may be triggered by jaw activities such as opening wide, chewing, yawning, or talking. Both types of headaches can also be influenced by environmental factors like diet, stress, hormonal changes, alcohol consumption, and even weather changes.
- Pain Description: TMJ headaches and Migraines can be described as dull, achy or sharp. OR as throbbing or pounding.
- Symptoms: Nausea or vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smells is usually reported with migraines, which may cause the sufferer to prefer resting in a dark, quiet rom. TMJ headaches, while they can disrupt your usual activities, typically do not invoke the same sensitivities.
As you can see, it can be difficult to differentiate between TMJ/TMD headaches and Migraines. Dr. Mistry has found that they are often related!
Manage Migraines and TMJ Dysfunction in Vancouver, WA near Portland, OR
If you experience Migraines and TMJ/TMD pain, it’s essential to find the correct treatment for the best results. Dr. Mistry supports a multidisciplinary approach for treating TMJ/TMD pain at the source by starting with a comprehensive consultation and exam. As one of the best TMJ doctors in Vancouver, Washington Dr. Mistry has the skills and knowledge to diagnose TMJ Dysfunction, as well as provide effective treatments and strategies to, not only relieve your pain, but help prevent future episodes of pain.
Learn more about temporomandibular joint disorder or explore headache relief options today by contacting Dr. Priya Mistry (The TMJ Doc) at (503) 255-8293.
