Could Migraines Be Linked To Your Mouth?

Could migraines actually be caused by a person’s mouth? There is a very strong link between migraine headaches and the TMJ. TMJ (the temporomandibular joint) is the joint primarily responsible for a person’s chewing, talking, opening and closing their mouth. If this joint becomes fatigued and goes into spasm this can wreak havoc among the nerves that are connected to it.

Which Nerves Are Connected

The Temporomandibular Joint or “TMJ” connects the jaw to the skull and can be found in front of the ear on either side. If you place your finger right in front of the ear and open your mouth you will feel the TMJ in action. The TMJ is connected to the Trigeminal Nerve. The Trigeminal Nerve is the largest of all of the cranial nerves. This nerve is responsible for an estimated 40 % of the nerve function throughout the mouth and face. Its functions include but are not limited to; chewing, breathing, talking, sinuses, teeth and even kissing. The common thread of these functions is that they are all connected to our mouths! So if the TMJ is not in proper alignment or dysfunctioning for any reason this would cause Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or “TMD”. The pain associated with it will travel the channels of the trigeminal nerve which, as mentioned earlier is the largest of all of the cranial nerves! This is not a nerve to be messed with.

TMD & Migraine Connection

TMD symptoms can include radiating pain in the face, neck, or shoulder area which are also common links to migraine headaches. This is why some migraine victims will seek treatment from his/her chiropractor for massage and adjustments. While this is a valid treatment option for relief it is one that is temporary if the root cause is TMD. Over time, if left untreated, TMD will get progressively worse. This will cause the associated nerves to become hypersensitive and inflamed. If you have ever experienced inflamed nerve pain, you know it can burn, have a pulsing sensation, and can radiate to the surrounding areas. Nerves are like little branches that are all connected to one another and the pain can travel as a result. The pain from a migraine is usually found around the frontal, eye, & temporal areas. It is often described as a pulsing, radiating pain which could indicate a nerve being involved. Modern studies of migraine headaches have researchers heavily focused on the trigeminal nerve and with good reason! The common complaints of the pain location from a migraine headache are directly correlated with the chief duties of the trigeminal nerve which is in fact connected to the TMJ. It’s like the old song goes “The thigh bone’s connected to hip bone”. These nerves and joints are all interconnected and must be evaluated by a TMD or TMJ specialist.

What to Do If You Suspect TMD

If you suspect TMD could be the cause of your migraines the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a TMJ specialist. You can obtain a referral from your General Dentist. However, before you are able to get into the doctor’s office, you can do some self evaluating and process of elimination on your own. Some things to try at home should include:

• Warm Compresses. Rotating ten minutes on, ten minutes off the joints. You can create a homemade heat pack with a sock filled with dry rice. Place in the microwave and voila!
• Massage the joints at bedtime. To locate the joint place your middle & index fingers in front of your ear and open your mouth. You will feel it protrude. Knead the area like you would any sore muscle in small circular motions for at least 15 minutes a night.
• Study your habits. Are you a nail biter, gum chewer, or cheek biter? Do you clench or grind your teeth? These should all be avoided as they will overwork the joints and definitely cause spasm.
• Sleep on your back. This will ensure that pressure is being evenly distributed. Use a rolled towel under your knees or a pillow to keep you from rolling side to side.

You should keep a journal on the frequency of your migraines as you try these methods to see if the migraines subside in anyway. An informed patient is a powerful patient. Bring your journal to the specialist’s appointment with you to discuss.

Treatments for TMD

There are many treatments available for people with TMD. Most are based on the individual’s severity and should be gone over by the specialist. In some cases muscle relaxers and anti- inflammatory medications may be prescribed to bring down the inflammation and spasm. Night guards or occlusal guards can be worn to prevent the teeth from clenching or grinding as the person sleeps or as needed if the case is severe. The good news is there is hope and help out there for the many people who suffer from migraines associated with TMJ dysfunction.

Tags: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, Massage Therapy, migraine headaches, Migraine Support Formula, migraine treatment