Is TMJ Disorder to Blame for Your Migraines?

Migraines are the worst! Not only can they cause excruciating pain, but they can also be debilitating, taking you away from even the most basic and simple tasks. If you often suffer from migraine attacks, you may already be doing your best to avoid known triggers. But did you know that the health of your jaw joints could also play a role in determining how often you suffer from migraines? This blog post explores the connection between these conditions.

TMD and Migraines — How Are they Connected?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) occurs when the jaw joints (TMJs) become inflamed or damaged. This can cause discomfort and tension in the surrounding muscles and other nearby tissues. As a result, TMD can cause a broad range of symptoms, such as jaw pain, neck pain, and tension headaches.

Of course, it must be acknowledged that migraine attacks are much more complex than common headaches. They are actually a neurological disorder that is still the subject of intensive research. However, there is some evidence to suggest a link between migraines and TMD.

Research from the University of São Paulo in Brazil looked at 84 women in their 30s. Among them, 21 suffered from chronic migraines, and 31 experienced episodic migraines. The remaining participants did not have any history of migraine attacks. (Chronic migraine sufferers experience attacks more than 15 days per month, while people with episodic migraines have attacks fewer than 15 days in a month.)

What did the study find? It was discovered that the women with chronic migraine attacks were three times as likely as the control group to report severe TMD symptoms. The individuals with episodic migraines were also more likely to have TMD than those without any history of migraines.

What Explains the Connection?

Does the abovementioned study show that TMD actually causes migraines? No, it does not. Rather, it is more likely that jaw joint problems are a trigger for an underlying cause of migraines. More research may eventually shed additional light on this connection.

Can TMD Treatment Help Those Who Suffer from Migraines?

If you believe your jaw joints are not healthy, it would be worth your time to talk to a dentist who offers TMJ treatment. They can examine your mouth and your bite in order to determine why you have TMD symptoms. Then, they can recommend a treatment. Very often, patients find that something as simple as a custom occlusal splint (a special orthodontic device worn at night) can significantly reduce symptoms. There is even a chance that treatment could reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

TMD and migraines are an awful combination! Hopefully, taking good care of your jaw joints will help you find pain relief and lead to better quality of life.

Meet the Practice

At Studio City Dental Arts, Dr. Proshat Shahrestany is proud proud to provide a broad range of treatments for members of our community, including custom occlusal splints for TMD. Dr. Shahrestany has a wealth of experience in her field, and she loves to help patients enjoy improved health and quality of life. To learn more about how she and our team may be able to serve you, contact our office at 818-760-0200.