Sleep is needed for our physical and mental health. Yet, millions of people suffer from sleep-inhibiting disorders that can cause insomnia, fatigue, and an overall decrease in quality of life. Among the most common are migraines and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or jaw pain. While both require professional medical attention to diagnose and treat them effectively and correctly, there are some steps you can take at home to find relief. Let us discuss the causes and the best approach to treating migraine headaches and TMJ jaw pain without resorting to strong medications or surgery.
Migraine Headaches and Their Causes
Migraine headaches are intense, throbbing headaches lasting from a few hours to several days. They can cause nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Neurologic signals, genetics, environmental factors, food sensitivities, stressors, and hormones cause migraines.
TMJ Jaw Pain and Its Causes
Temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw and the muscles surrounding it. It can be caused by stress, trauma to the face or jaw area, arthritis, misalignment of the jaw, or teeth grinding. TMJ jaw pain can be severe, with difficulty opening and closing the mouth, headaches, and a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth wide.
Connecting Causes of Migraines and TMJ
Concerning migraine headaches, tension headaches, and clenching your teeth-you should know that there are only two instances when you should have contact between the upper and lower teeth when you chew or swallow. In other instances, your jaw should be relaxed. Chronic teeth-clenching can put severe pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Furthermore, if the TMJ has been misaligned or its cartilage is out of place, this clamping position will impede proper functioning and healing. So as mentioned, there is a relationship between jaw and pain.
Best Approach To Treating Migraines and TMJ at Home
The best approach to migraine relief at home is treating these conditions with oral dental appliances. Dental appliances are non-invasive and non-surgical options that can help to realign the jaw and reduce muscle tension. They are custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth and provide greater comfort than a standard night guard or splint. Dental appliances function by correcting the bite relationship between your upper and lower teeth, which can help relieve pain associated with TMJ and migraine headaches. These appliances are comfortable, convenient, portable, and very effective.
Consult a Dentist
To get the best results and proper fitting, you should consult a certified dentist specializing in treating TMJ disorders and migraines. The dentist will assess your symptoms and provide you with a suitable treatment. The custom-fitted appliance helps realign your jaw and reduce muscle tension. The appliance will also help prevent teeth grinding, a common cause of TMJ.
Migraines and TMJ disorders are painful conditions that can harm one’s quality of life. While it is essential to seek professional medical attention, there are ways that you can find relief from these conditions at home. By following the best approach – custom-fitted oral dental appliances – you can reduce muscle tension and realign your jaw for a better quality of life. Talk to your dentist about how this option could help relieve your pain and discomfort.
