TMJ and Migraine Questions

Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood, California

How are headaches and migraines connected to TMJ?
Headaches and migraines are two of the biggest symptoms of TMJ.  In the past, people with chronic migraines or headaches with no physical causes were told that there was nothing they could do about it.  Now it is being determined that TMJ causes many headaches and migraines.

When your temporomandibular joint is misaligned, it puts excess stress on the nerves and muscles surrounding the joint.  Sometimes, the temporomandibular joint is stressing certain muscles even when the jaw is at rest.

When muscles and nerves are being strained all the time, it can cause pain in the muscles, which feels like a tension headache.  Also, when muscles are strained, the brain will tell the body to send more blood to the area than it needs.  The result is pain that can feel like a vascular headache or migraine.

Realigning the temporomandibular joint and treating TMJ relaxes the muscles and nerves in the head, alleviating the headaches or migraines that they cause.

Will I need surgery to correct my TMJ?
Surgery is always the last course of action for alleviating the symptoms of TMJ.  Most of the time, a TMJ treatment plan can be developed that will realign your temporomandibular joint and stop the TMJ symptoms that you are suffering from without the need for surgery.

Is TMJ common?
TMJ is much more common than you would think.  Right now, it is estimated that over 10 million Americans are suffering from TMJ without it being diagnosed.  For many people, TMJ could be causing them much unneeded pain or dental problems without them even being aware of the real problem.

If you are suffering from TMJ or any of the symptoms like migraines, contact our Dentist in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Santa Clarita at A Unique Dental Experience® today.  Dr. Goodrick will develop a TMJ treatment.