Did you know migraines can be a symptom of a bad bite?
For many people, migraine headaches are a “normal” part of their life. Medications can be used to stop or manage the pain, but the source of the pain is not always determined. Most people don’t think about mentioning headaches or facial muscle pain to their dentist but this type of pain is a common symptom of TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), also know as TMJ Disorder.
So how does a bad bite fit into this scenario? The position of the jaw joint is determined by how the teeth fit together. If the teeth don’t fit together properly or are not in harmony with the muscles, the muscles and joints accommodate. The misaligned bite often leads to muscles that are in a “tug of war” between teeth coming together thousands of times a day and a relaxed position. This causes fatigue and can lead to headaches.
There are many other symptoms that can be associated with a bad bite. These may include:
- Jaw joint noise or clicking
- Limited jaw opening
- Teeth grinding
- Neck pain
- Pain in and around the ear
- Ringing in the ear
- Vertigo
- Numbness radiating down into the arm
By decompressing the TMJ joints and determining an optimal position for the bite, symptoms like the ones listed can be improved and many times, totally eliminated.
Not only does this work for patients with teeth, but the same concept can be used for denture wearers as well.
If you or someone you love is suffering from unexplained headaches, call 912-264-5550 today for a neuromuscular consultation.