Migraines can be debilitating. If you suffer from them, you may make diligent efforts to avoid certain common triggers, such as specific smells, loud sounds, and bright lights.
But did you know that another factor might be contributing to the problem? TMJ disorder (TMD) is strongly associated with migraine attacks. This blog post explains the connection between these conditions and touches on how you might be able to find relief.
TMD and Migraines — How Are they Connected?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) occurs when the large chewing muscles and facial muscles experience night time grinding or clenching. This can cause debilitating muscle tension and pain in the TMJ joint and surrounding tissues. Therefore, TMD has long been acknowledged as a potential cause of issues like facial pain, neck aches, and even regular headaches. Ear symptoms and limited opening are also common.
Of course, migraines are more complex than regular headaches. They are actually a neurological disorder that is not yet fully understood. However, there is some research that sheds light on the connection between migraine attacks and TMJ disorder.
Research from the University of São Paulo in Brazil looked at 84 women in their 30s, 21 of whom were chronic migraine patients and 31 of whom experienced episodic migraines. The rest had no history of migraine attacks. (Side note: Chronic migraine sufferers experience attacks more than 15 days per month, while episodic migraine sufferers have attacks fewer than 15 days each month.)
*The study revealed that the women with chronic migraines were three times more likely than the control group to report severe TMD symptoms. Individuals with episodic migraines were also more likely to suffer from TMD.
Why Are They Connected?
While the above data is interesting, it does not mean that TMD causes migraine attacks. However, Abnormal muscle tension (from teeth grinding) and inflammation are both common to TMJ disorder and migraine sufferers. More research is necessary before the medical community can confidently outline why many migraine sufferers also experience TMD.
Can TMD Treatment Reduce Migraine Frequency?
If you suffer from both migraines and symptoms of TMD (such as jaw pain and difficulty chewing), it is certainly worth your time to visit a dentist who has studied TMD and offers treatments for it. You might need something as simple as a custom orthotic splint, which can help to relieve tension in your jaw joints and potentially lower your risk of migraine attacks. Studies have shown that up to 70% of TMJ patients treated experienced a reduction in migraine frequency and intensity.
Migraine attacks and TMD are an extremely painful combination! Hopefully, attending to the health of your jaw joints will bring you a step closer to leading a pain-free life.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is an experienced orthodontist who is considered a leader in the field of TMJ disorder treatment. In fact, his research on this condition was published in the prestigious American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. If you believe you have TMD, Dr. Hall and our team are ready to evaluate your case and recommend your next steps. Get in touch with us at 713-862-8223.