Did you know that your jawbone connects to your skull via two sliding-disc joints, called the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)? Under normal circumstances, these give your mouth a full range of motion; forward and back, side to side, and open and closed.
But if you suffer from bruxism or have a bite misalignment, the added pressure placed on these joints can trigger a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) that can contribute to other symptoms, including headaches. If you’ve been suffering from recent migraines and are unsure if your jaw might be the cause, continue reading to learn more about it!
Does TMD Cause Migraines?
If you’re suffering from chronic headaches that tend to occur on one side, last for hours or days, and are accompanied by nausea or extreme sensitivity to external stimuli, like light or sound, you might be having migraines.
There are many potential causes, such as genetics, lifestyle and habits, stress levels, hormone changes, and neurological pathways. However, it’s also possible that the throbbing is caused by TMD. For example, in one 2017 study, researchers observed 84 women, some of whom experienced chronic or episodic migraines.
In this experiment, TMD symptoms were observed in about 54% of the control patients who did not experience migraines. That figure jumped up to 80% of those with episodic migraines and up to 100% of those with chronic migraines also exhibited signs of TMD.
How Do I Know if My Headache is Caused by TMD?
There are specific criteria that are used to diagnose TMD and measure the severity of your condition, and not all migraines are necessarily linked to your jawbone. You might be experiencing migraine associated with dental condition you develop:
- Recurrent pain in one or more regions of the head or face.
- An X-ray, MRI, or other imaging and scans show signs of a TMJ disorder.
- You notice additional symptoms, such as:
- Pain when chewing or moving the jaw.
- Reduced range of motion or stiffness.
- Clicking or other noises when opening or closing your mouth.
- Tenderness or swelling in one or both TMJs.
How Can I Reduce Symptoms of TMD?
If you suspect that you are suffering from migraines as a result of TMD, it’s time to contact your dentist. They can help diagnose your condition then provide an appropriate treatment plan to reduce its impact.
For example, if your condition is caused by a malocclusion, or bite misalignment, they can provide an oral appliance, like an occlusal splint, that ensures your jaw remains in its correct position while you sleep at night, which gives your muscles a chance to rest and recover.
Many also offer occlusal adjustments, which involves making minor changes to the biting surface of your enamel, to ensure that your upper and lower arches come together correctly when you close your mouth.
Contacting your dentist to treat your TMD can help provide some much-needed relief from your chronic or periodic migraines!
Meet the Author
Dr. Yonatan Pevzner takes pride in helping improve his patient’s lives by enhancing their oral health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from SUNY Buffalo Dental School, and today, remains committed to continuing education to remain current with the most contemporary procedures and technology. He provides a complete menu of services, including TMD treatments, using state-of-the-art equipment for more comfortable and accurate results. If you suspect your headaches are associated with your TMJ, you can request an appointment on the website or call (512) 451-4412.