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TMD & Migraines
 Chronic recurrent headaches as well as facial and neck pain are a common occurrence in millions of Americans. In addition, people frequently suffer from ear symptoms including pain, ringing, buzzing, loss of hearing or clicking or locking of the jaw which can make chewing, speaking or moving the jaw painful or difficult.
These often unexplained, undiagnosed and therefore untreated symptoms are related to a group of problems called, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD).
Migraine Symptoms
Migraines involve recurrent episodes of moderate to severe throbbing or pulsing pain; often striking only one side of the head. Untreated, such attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours. Other common symptoms are extreme sensitivity to light, noise and odors, and nausea and vomiting.
Migraines occur most frequently in the morning, especially upon waking. Some people have migraines at predictable times, such as before menstruation or on weekends following a stressful week of work. Many people feel exhausted or weak following a migraine but are usually symptom-free between attacks.
Tension Headaches
Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache. Its name indicates the role of stress or emotional conflict in triggering pain and contracting the muscles in the neck, face, scalp, and jaw. Tension-type headaches may also be caused by jaw clenching, intense work, missed meals, depression, anxiety or too little sleep. Tension-type headaches affect women slightly more often than men.
Headaches and Sleep Disorders
Headaches are often a secondary symptom of sleep apnea. For example, tension-type headache is regularly seen in persons with insomnia or sleep-wake cycle disorders. Reduced oxygen levels in people with sleep apnea may trigger early morning headaches.
The first step in caring for a tension-type headache involves treating any specific disorder or disease that may be causing it. For example, arthritis of the neck is treated by a physician with anti-inflammatory medication and temporomandibular joint dysfunction may be helped by oral appliances.
- A sleep study may be needed to detect sleep apnea and should be considered when there is a history of snoring, daytime sleepiness or obesity. Dr. Durden refers patients with possible sleep disorders to a sleep specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
If you think you have a TMJ Disorder
Dr. Durden finds that it is sometimes helpful for patients keep a daily journal to document the details of their TMJ symptoms, including the time(s) pain occurred and what they were doing, along with the level of pain and specific location. Our Head, Neck and Facial Pain Questionnaire can also provide us with valuable details in addressing TMJ symptoms.
Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent causes of depression and stress, with the resulting effect of diminishing quality of life. If you or a loved one is suffering with these types of TMJ symptoms, please Contact Us and let us help you take back control of your health.
References: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
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