Headaches

DON'T LIVE WITH HEADACHES

Headache Solutions

A headache can be very frustrating, even when you’re not suffering from the pain. Doctors often have a very hard time diagnosing the root cause of headaches. Some doctors may even dismiss the significance of your pain and not take them seriously. Most headache sufferers have visited several doctors and tried several treatments without success. If you are unhappy with your current headache treatment, you should consider that TMJ may be contributing to your headache.

If you are looking for a highly trained, deftly skilled, and deeply compassionate dentist in the Chattanooga TN area, then you’re looking for Dr. Kent White, who is highly trained in neuromuscular dentistry, and has even received medical training as part of an elective residency. To learn whether he is the dentist for you, please call (423) 264-2300 for an appointment at the Chattanooga Sleep Center in Chattanooga TN.

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HEADACHES & MIGRAINES

Types of Headaches Associated With TMJ

TMJ is associated with two of the most common types of headaches, as well as some more unusual kinds. Just because your doctor has given you a diagnosis doesn’t mean that TMJ might not be involved. No matter what your headache diagnosis, if it is related to TMJ, TMJ treatment will reduce or resolve your headaches completely. Here are some of the types of associated with TMJ:

REFERRED PAIN

Referred pain is an unusual condition in which pain from one part of the body is felt in another. This occurs because the brain has to interpret where pain signals are coming from along the trunk of a common nerve. Because the head and jaw communicate along the same nerve, jaw pain can be mistaken instead.

MIGRAINES

Migraines are complex headaches that are not commonly understood yet. They seem to derive from overstimulation of certain key nerves that trigger an adverse response in the brain. The brain releases vasodilators–hormones that cause blood vessels to expand–which creates pain in the head because it leads to pressure on the brain. Migraines cause moderate to severe pain, typically on one side of the head, and they can last for a few hours or a few days. Many people experience symptoms before the migraine begins, such as bright lights or other visual artifacts, called an aura. Most also experience supplemental symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.

TMJ can cause migraines because tense jaw muscles can lead to overstimulation of the trigeminal nerve, the primary trigger point for migraines (though the vagus nerve might also be involved). The trigeminal nerve carries signals to and from the jaw muscles, and several branches of the trigeminal nerve wind under jaw muscles, giving many opportunities for overstimulation related to tense, overworked jaw muscles.

TENSION HEADACHES

Tension headaches are the most common type, account for perhaps 80-90% of all headaches. They are also the type most commonly associated with TMJ. In a tension headache, you may experience a dull, diffuse pain on both sides of your head. Many people describe it as feeling like their head is being tightened in a vise or squeezed with a belt. The pain levels are described as being mild to moderate, but pain levels vary.

TMJ contributes to tension headaches because in TMJ your muscles are often overworked, tense, and tender. These muscle contractions aren’t directly the cause of your headache, but they contribute to the sensitization of your pain system, which is what leads to the headaches.

SINUS HEADACHES

Most doctors agree that true sinus headaches are actually very rare. Instead, what people think of as sinus headaches are actually misdiagnosed migraines or tension headaches. Facial pain in the sinus regions (the face between the nose and eyes) is common in TMJ. Unless you are experiencing thick nasal discharge, and the pain resolves after a few days or goes away with antibiotic treatment, it’s likely that your so-called sinus headaches are actually TMJ related.

TMJ MAY BE THE CAUSE

Is TMJ Responsible for My Headache?

It is often hard to know whether TMJ is contributing to your headache pain. But if you have other TMJ symptoms (such as jaw pain, ringing in the ears, tooth pain not associated with decay, or excessive tooth wear), then it’s likely that TMJ is involved.

Dr. Kent White is a thorough neuromuscular dentist in Chattanooga TN, and he will perform a comprehensive neuromuscular exam to determine an accurate diagnosis for your headache pain. If TMJ is involved, he will detect it and recommend an appropriate treatment.

If you live in Chattanooga TN, or are prepared to travel for quality neuromuscular dentistry, please call (423) 264-2300 for an appointment at the Chattanooga Sleep Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Headaches are a common symptom of many different illnesses or ailments, as well as a reaction to certain triggers. The most common causes of headaches include tension headaches, migraines, sinus infections, and dehydration. Other possible causes of headaches can be hormonal changes such as those that occur during menstruation, stress or anxiety, eyestrain, certain medications, alcohol, or caffeine consumption. It is important to try to identify the source of your headache and determine what might be causing it so that you can adjust your lifestyle accordingly if needed.

The best way to get rid of a headache quickly is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen. Additionally, you can try some self-care techniques such as relaxation exercises, applying a cold or warm compress to your head and neck, getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated, and avoiding stress. If these strategies do not help your headache go away within an hour after using them, or if your headaches are frequent, consider speaking with Dr. White about a possible link to TMJ.

Yes, there are several natural remedies for headaches. Options include drinking more water, doing light exercise or yoga, applying a cold compress or taking deep breaths. Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint may help relax tense muscles, while certain essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus can reduce stress levels. Some research also suggests that acupuncture may be helpful in treating migraine headaches. Additionally, supplements such as magnesium and feverfew have been used to address chronic headache pain.

Yes, drinking water can help reduce headaches. Studies have shown that dehydration is one of the primary causes of headaches. Therefore, drinking plenty of water can help keep your body hydrated and reduce the risk of experiencing a headache. Additionally, some people may experience headaches due to their diet or lack of nutrients; drinking water helps increase nutrient absorption and improve overall health. Studies have also shown that drinking water can help reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, especially when it is consumed regularly over time. Therefore, if you are prone to experiencing headaches, make sure to stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will not only help to reduce your risk of headache pain but also improve your overall health.

Taking medication for headaches carries a certain degree of risk. Medications can have serious side effects, including nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, and liver or kidney damage. In some cases, medications used to treat headaches can cause rebound headaches if taken too frequently. Rebound headaches are more frequent and intense than the original headache that was treated. For these reasons, it is important to discuss all headache treatment options with a doctor before taking any medications, and to carefully follow the instructions provided. Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial in reducing headaches in some individuals. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all approaches that may help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, may also be beneficial for some people with headache pain. Additionally, avoiding known triggers, such as certain foods or environmental factors can help prevent headaches from occurring in the first place.

Dr Kent White | (423) 264-2300 | 1032 McCallie Ave #300A, Chattanooga, TN 374031 | info@chattsleep.com

Dr. Daniel R. Smith | (423) 693-2800 | 1032 McCallie Ave #300, Chattanooga, TN 374031 | info@chattsleep.com

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