Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Chronic headaches can be incredibly disruptive, making it challenging to focus and function on a daily basis. Millions of individuals in the United States face the inconvenience of chronic headaches, often resorting to over-the-counter pain relievers. While stress is commonly believed to be the primary cause of these headaches, there can be an underlying factor behind recurrent head pain, and your dentist may offer the solution.
The connection between TMJ disorder and headaches
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder, is a condition that frequently leads to headaches in patients. You may be wondering how these two conditions are linked.
The temporomandibular joint is a small, round joint on either side of your head, connecting your jaw to your skull. These joints play a crucial role in controlling your jaw’s movement as it opens and closes when you are speaking, eating or chewing. The operation of your jaw is intricate, involving multiple moving components like tendons, bones, joints, muscles, cartilage and other soft tissues. When problems arise within your temporomandibular joint, it can result in several consequences that, left untreated, can spread throughout the body.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder vary greatly from one individual to another, but pain is one of the most common symptoms. Typically originating in the jaw area, this discomfort can radiate to your mouth, neck, or shoulders. Patients grappling with TMJ problems also frequently report experiencing headaches. These headaches may stem from additional strain on your orofacial system or irritation of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve transmits more sensory information than any other neural pathway in the body. This nerve also is located in close proximity to the temporomandibular joint. Individuals dealing with TMJ disorder can often experience irritation or compression of the trigeminal nerve, which sends pain signals to the brain that result in headaches.
The trigeminal nerve can be responsible for migraines or tension headaches. Unfortunately, because of this commonality, headaches associated with TMJ may be misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines and treated with prescription medications. However, medications for these tension headaches only address the symptoms, not the root cause of the condition.
Through the use of cutting-edge technology, extensive continuing education and more than 25 years of professional experience, the dedicated team at Tusculum Dental Care can accurately diagnose and treat the root causes of your chronic headaches, providing relief. Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialized branch of dental science that focuses on assessing jaw alignment and bite patterns. Dentists who specialize in this field undergo rigorous education and training to classify themselves as neuromuscular dentists.
Neuromuscular Dentistry in Greeneville, Jonesborough and Erwin in Tennessee
At Tusculum Dental Care, we are proud to offer specialized care in neuromuscular dentistry. Living with chronic headache pain doesn’t have to be your reality when effective treatments are available. If you suspect that TMJ might be the cause of your headaches, it’s time to shift your approach. Instead of solely relying on medications to alleviate symptoms, schedule an evaluation for TMJ disorder with us today. To get started, visit us online or give us a call at (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation today.