TMD/TMJ Headaches vs. Migraines

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMD or TMJ) can be a headache, literally as well as figuratively.

In fact, the chronic headaches associated with TMD/TMJ can be so severe that they are often misdiagnosed as migraines. Phoenix neuromuscular dentist Dr. Scott LeSueur understands the difference between migraines and the headaches caused by TMD/TMJ, and he has extensive training in the specialized field of neuromuscular dentistry as well as the state-of-the-art technology necessary to determine whether TMD/TMJ is the source of your headaches.

Migraines

Migraines are believed to be the result of blood-vessel contractions and/or brain abnormalities, although their exact cause remains unknown. While the root source of migraines is not known, these sometimes-debilitating headaches can be triggered by a number of factors including:

• Emotional stress
• Physical fatigue
• Light sensitivity
• Reactions to taste or smell
• Weather changes
• Changes in sleeping habits

The throbbing pain of migraines can be severe, sometimes lasting for days.

TMD/TMJ Headaches

The headaches that accompany temporomandibular joint disorder are often no less painful than migraines, but their cause is usually easier to diagnose. The symptoms of TMD/TMJ, including headaches, stem from the region where your temporomandibular joint structures work to connect and allow your jaw to function relative to your skull.  Correction of the problems related to this area can then cause all the other symptoms to disappear

Though approximately the size of a coin, this tiny connective area is packed with a complex network of nerves, muscles, joints and bones. Within this intricate system is the trigeminal nerve, which is instrumental in biting, chewing, swallowing and registering sensation in your face.

Bite conditions or jaw alignment problems can place excessive pressure on the trigeminal nerve and the surrounding nerves, muscles and joint components, causing shooting pain and other uncomfortable sensations in your head and other parts of your body, including your neck, shoulders, arms and back.

Fortunately, there are a number of TMD/TMJ treatment options available. A TMD/TMJ testing session can help pinpoint the source of your discomfort and serve as the basis for a custom treatment plan to ease your pain.

If you would like to learn more about TMD/TMJ treatment options, please contact Arizona dentists Dr. Scott LeSueur and Dr. Charles Dodaro to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients in the Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and East Valley, Arizona, areas.