07
Aug
Migraines: Simple Strides to Head Off The Pain Naturally
If your migraine headaches are the result of TMJ disorder, it’s only natural you have questions about your condition. At South Lakewood Dental, Dr. Scott Stewart and our team have answers to guide you to natural treatments that can help relieve pain. While there is no universal cure for TMJ dysfunction, your dentist in Lakewood, Colorado, can suggest remedies to improve your quality of life and reduce pain. Here’s what you should know about TMJ’s causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What is TMJ?
“TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint located in front of your ears on either side of your face. The ability to move your jaw for biting, chewing, speaking, and other purposes is made possible by these joints, which join the bottom portion of your jawbone to your skull. Dysfunction of your TMJ can lead to TMJ disorders that cause jaw pain and stiffness, migraine headaches, earaches, painful chewing, and other hurtful symptoms.
What can cause TMJ dysfunction?
There’s no one cause of TMJ dysfunction, as various factors can contribute to this condition. These include:
- Trauma to your face, mouth, or jaw
- Habitual teeth grinding
- Stress
- Misaligned teeth
- Bad bite Â
- Muscle tension, abuse, or overuse
- Inflammation
Once the cause of your condition has been diagnosed, Dr. Stewart can recommend treatments to alleviate pain.
What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction symptoms can vary depending on your condition’s cause, severity, and duration. You may experience:
- Frequent migraine headaches
- Earaches
- Jaw popping or clicking when you open your mouth
- Limited jaw movementÂ
- Jaw stiffness and pain
- Painful chewing
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How can I prevent migraines naturally?
The overall goal of TMJ headache treatment is to relieve TMJ tension and pain so you can live a normal lifestyle. Some natural remedies you can try are:
- Jaw massage to boost blood flow through your face, head and jaw
- Physical therapy exercises to relieve jaw tension and improve TMJ flexibility and mobility
- Avoid eating hard foods like raw, crunchy fruits, veggies, nuts, ice, etc.
- Lifestyle changes that improve your overall health and well-being, such as a healthier diet, daily exercise, or incorporating yoga or meditation into your schedule
- Stress management
- Wear night guards to keep your teeth from clenching and grinding at night
- OTC medication to ease pain and inflammation
- Botox injections for TMJ pain
Are there permanent solutions to TMJ headache pain?
If your problems stem from misaligned teeth or a bad bite, Dr. Stewart may recommend DTR is a game changer for people suffering with TMJ/TMD symptoms including headaches, facial pain and cold sensitivity! Metal braces or clear aligner therapy can help correct problems with crooked or misaligned teeth to permanently resolve TMJ issues. In severe cases, joint surgery may be necessary to resolve TMJ dysfunction after a specialist has thoroughly evaluated you.
Where can I go for TMJ dysfunction diagnosis and migraine treatment?
If you need help diagnosing and treating painful TMJ dysfunction symptoms in Lakewood, CO, please call Dr. Scott Stewart at South Lakewood Dental at (855) 233-0023.
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Dr. Scott Stewart - South Lakewood Dental
Dr. Scott Stewart is a practitioner of dentistry for over 25 years and has acquired much expertise over the years. Along with his talent, Dr. Stewart appreciates the multitude of contributions made to the field of dentistry via novel and progressive technology.Whilst being passionate about his service to the community, Dr. Stewart is a revolutionary in his approach to tackling dental health care issues. He is a firm believer in the harmonious balance of the body as opposed to treating symptoms. He emphasizes on the holistic practice of wellbeing and addressing underlying issues to make the “whole person” healthier.