Neuromuscular Dentistry
Serving Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton, Florida
TMJ Headaches
A headache can be one of the most disruptive pains you experience in your life. Headaches can keep you from thinking clearly, cause trouble with your vision, and incapacitate you entirely if they are severe enough.
Many individuals who suffer from recurring headaches are suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMD and TMJ. It is a condition of misalignment in the jaw joints – a misaligned bite. Some TMJ headaches are so severe that you may be convinced you have migraines.
TMJ Headache vs. Migraine
TMJ headaches are not the same as migraines. The causes of migraine headaches are not well understood. We know they can be triggered by certain smells which are unique to the individual, and it is suspected that they may be vascular in nature – that is, related in some way to blood vessel constriction.
On the other hand, the cause of TMJ headaches is well understood and treatable by neuromuscular dentists. TMJ headaches are related to chronic stress in the jaw muscles, from months or years of trying to close the mouth correctly and being unable to because one or both jaw joints are out of alignment.
The jaw joints may have been misaligned from birth or may slip out of alignment over a period of time. A habit of teeth grinding or jaw clenching can be either a cause of misaligned jaw joints or a result of it. Head or jaw trauma may cause the misalignment, and it may not manifest itself as headaches for several months.
Other Symptoms of TMJ
While there are other symptoms of TMD than headaches, patients who suffer from TMJ headaches often express the greatest relief once it has been treated. If you suffer from headaches and are not sure whether they are TMJ-related, it would be worth your while to have Fort Lauderdale Neuromuscular Dentist, Dr. Sarris check you for TMD.
If he found that you do not have TMD, you would at least know that much and could search elsewhere for effective treatment.
If he did diagnose TMD, you would already be on your way to permanent pain relief.
Please see the pages on TMJ and Neuromuscular Dentistry and Questions About TMJ Disorder for more information.
If you believe your headaches may be caused by TMJ, please contact Dr. John Sarris today for a complimentary neuromuscular dentistry consultation. We help individuals in Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, and Boca Raton, Florida, find relief from TMJ headaches.
Contact Us
561.278.7450
John G. Sarris, D.M.D., P.A.
1911 S. Federal Highway, Suite 600
Delray Beach, Florida 33483
