If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, you’re most likely ready to try any treatment if it gives you the slightest chance of relief. Unfortunately, headaches are very hard to diagnose and treat. There are so many different conditions they might have a link to so those suffering never find the right relief they need. At Palencia Dental in St. Augustine, we might have a solution for you. Dr. Kinsey specializes in TMJ treatment and headache relief. It’s possible that your frequent headaches are caused by TMJ. If this is true, we can help.

Dentist with a headache holds his head

Is Your Headache Caused By TMJ?

Before we dive into your headache treatment options, it’s a good idea to see if your headaches are even linked to TMJ. When you visit us for a consultation, St. Augustine TMJ dentist Dr. Kinsey will examine your jaw and take tests to determine if you have TMJ. She will also ask you an assortment of questions related to headaches and TMJ.

For example, she will ask you if convention headache treatments provide you with any sort of relief, if your headaches flare up after any sort of jaw activity, if you tend to clench or grind your teeth, or if you show any other symptoms of TMJ. If any of these questions relate to you, there’s a good chance your headaches are related to TMJ.

Types of Headaches Related to TMJ

There are a few different types of headaches TMJ can cause.

Migraines are one of the most common types of TMJ headaches you might experience. Migraines have trigger points located in the trigeminal nerve. This nerve carries signals to and from your jaw muscles. When the muscles experience excess tension, it can trigger the nerve which causes it to release calcitonin gene receptor protein which can trigger migraines. There are also branches of the trigeminal nerve located in the jaw

Tension headaches are another common type of headache associated with TMJ. When there is excess tension in the muscles in your skill, it can cause headaches in your temple. Since your jaw muscles are connected to your temple and neck, you might experience tension headaches if you have TMJ.

Referred pain is another type of headache you might experience with TMJ. This actually isn’t a headache; your brain just interprets it that way. When your brain isn’t sure where the pain is coming from, it can send pain signals to other areas like your head or face instead of the direct source of pain. In other words, you might have intense jaw pain, but your brain signals it to come from your head, thus giving you a headache.

If you’re curious to find out if TMJ is the cause of your frequent headaches, please visit Dr. Kinsey at Palencia Dental to find out. Schedule a consultation by calling (904) 474-5444 or contacting us online. We’re here to help you find the headache relief you need.