The Relation Between Migraine Headaches & TMD

Though many people may not realize it there is a small correlation between the conditions of TMD (also referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder) and Migraine Headaches. In order to explain this correlation more specifically it is first best to understand each of the conditions separately and how they may affect the individual with symptoms and other problems.

What is TMD?

TMD is a condition which takes place when the jawbone (or temporomandibular joint, also referred to as the TMJ) becomes injured or unhinged thus resulting in TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are some of the most extremely important and complex joints in the entire body, these joints connect the skull to the jawbone. Because these joints affects so many of the functions that are accomplished by the face, neck, and head, as well as the muscles that surround the joint, when this joint is injured or unhinged it can create serious problems and symptoms. The symptoms of TMD can cause extreme discomfort such as:

• Sore or Sensitive Teeth
• Jaw Muscle Soreness
• Pain in the Neck, Head, and/or Shoulders
• Facial Pain
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Ear Ringing
• Jaw Locking
• Jaw Popping or Clicking
• Chipped or Worn Teeth
• Limited Movement of the Jaw

What are Migraine Headaches?

By medical definition migraine headaches are extreme headaches that occur with intense throbbing or pulsing sensations that are commonly accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, or sensitivity to light and/or sound. The causes of migraine headaches are not completely understood but genetics, and environmental factors seem to play a role. Migraine headaches can be caused by changes in the brainstem as well as the interaction that takes place between the brainstem and the trigeminal nerve. Triggers of migraine headaches can include certain foods, stress, sensory stimuli, hormonal changes, physical factors, environmental changes, or even the interaction of certain medications.

How are TMD & Migraine Headaches Connected?

TMD and migraine headaches are connected because when TMD occurs it can wreak havoc and cause extremely painful symptoms including migraine headaches. The reason behind this correlation is partly due to the location of the Trigeminal nerve. The Trigeminal nerve is one of the most powerful and complex nerves within the human body, it feeds sensations and functions to the jaw, face, tongue, sinuses, palate, eyes, teeth, as well as lips. More specifically the Trigeminal nerve accounts for over 40% of the processing of the brain and has enervation and control over specific areas of the brain itself. Additionally the Trigeminal nerve is connected to the facial, vagus, and hypoglossal nerves which control the function of nearly every other muscle in the head, neck, and throat. Everyone has heard the preschool rhyming song “Dem Bones” which cleverly rhymes lyrics about how every bone is connected in the body. The same is true for the muscles and nerves as well. If one muscle and/or nerve is out of alignment, damaged, or not properly working then it will in turn affect other parts of the body as well.

When the muscles and nerves that are associated with TMD begin to be ill affected they can cause significant migraine headaches because of the interconnection of all of the bones, muscles, joints, and nerves that are so closely intertwined throughout the face, head, and neck. This is another reason why those who seek to find treatment for migraine headaches that approaches options with a more overall health and holistic treatment are better and often will produce more significant results for relieving pain and symptoms related to either TMD or migraine headaches. If a person takes a pill to stop the pain of migraine headaches, but never addresses the underlying causes of the migraine headaches then they will continue to keep re-occurring in a vicious cycle. However, if the underlying causes can be identified, and as we have shown TMD can in fact be correlated to migraine headaches, then more specific treatment for eliminating migraine headaches and providing long term relief can take place.

Any individual who has been experiencing signs or symptoms of either TMD or migraine headaches should never seek to self-diagnosis or self-treat themselves. Proper diagnoses as well as correct identification of what is causing the symptoms should take place in order that the best form of treatment for migraine headaches and/or TMD can be achieved.

Tags: migraine headaches, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, migraine triggers, Migraines, natural treatment, symptoms of migraines