Migraines are extremely common – in fact, the Migraine Research Foundation states that it’s the world’s third most prevalent disease. Most people cope by using a variety of medications, but while this can help relieve your pain for a while, it might not address the underlying cause of the problem, meaning your migraine will keep coming back. If you’re having trouble finding long-term relief for your headaches, contact Espire Dental Colorado Springs; Dr. Gasper may be able to help you overcome your head pain with TMJ therapy.
WHY CHOOSE ESPIRE DENTAL COLORADO SPRINGS FOR TREATMENT OF MIGRAINES?
- An Experienced Dentist with Extensive Training
- Customized Treatment Plans
- Comfortable, Convenient Oral Appliances
Headaches, Migraines and Your Jaw
The different parts of your body are all connected; an issue in one area could cause the symptoms to arise in a different place. In some cases, the source of the pain in your head could actually be your jaw.
Your lower jaw is connected to the rest of the skull by the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) on either side of your head just in front of your ears. If there’s an issue with the joint that’s preventing it from functioning properly, it can cause tension in the nearby muscles. This tension can spread to the rest of your head, resulting in migraines and headaches.
While ibuprofen and other painkillers can be used to treat a migraine, this won’t necessarily solve the TMJ issue that’s causing the tension in the first place. In order to treat your headache once and for all (as well as other TMJ-related symptoms such as jaw pain or lockjaw), you’ll need TMJ therapy.
How Can a TMJ Disorder Be Treated?
Oftentimes, the problem is that your bite has been misaligned and is preventing your jaw from reaching a natural resting position, which is what causes the tension. There are a few different ways this issue can be addressed. For example, we can adjust the chewing surfaces of your teeth by removing small amounts of enamel; this helps your teeth come together correctly so that the jaw can reach a more comfortable position.
On the other hand, sometimes adjustments need to be made to the jaw itself. An oral appliance can provide long-term relief by repositioning and retraining the jaw. These devices can also protect your teeth from the nighttime grinding and clenching that might be contributing to TMJ pain or your headaches. This type of treatment requires no medication and no surgery. Each oral appliance is uniquely designed so that it fits perfectly and comfortably in your mouth.
Make an Appointment Today
Living with constant migraines can have a major negative impact on your life, and it can be stressful to repeatedly deal with the pain without knowing the real cause behind it. If you want to get rid of your symptoms once and for all, schedule a consultation at Espire Dental Colorado Springs; we may be able to provide relief where other doctors can’t.