HOW YOUR DENTIST MAY BE ABLE TO RELIEVE YOUR MIGRAINE-LIKE HEADACHES

Many people suffer from intense, chronic headaches they describe as migraines. Yet these headaches often go undiagnosed by physicians without training in the field of neuromuscular dentistry because they are actually caused by the condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD).

Saint Joseph dentist Dr. Sven Erickson has extensive postgraduate training in neuromuscular dentistry, and he has helped many patients relieve the headaches and other symptoms associated with TMJ/TMD. If you experience recurring, migraine-like headaches that have otherwise defied diagnosis, please call Modern Dentistry Associates at 269-264-4388 to schedule your TMJ/TMD consultation; Dr. Erickson welcomes patients from the greater St. Joseph, Niles and Kalamazoo, Michigan, areas.

TMJ/TMD derives its name from the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. A misaligned jaw or other condition can place undue stress on the temporomandibular joint and the trigeminal nerve, which resides in the connective region between your jaw and your skull and is responsible for registering sensation throughout your face.

Patients with TMJ/TMD typically suffer other symptoms in addition to recurring headaches. These symptoms include but are not limited to:

1. Jaw sticking or locking

2. Jaw clicking or popping

3. Facial pain

4. Neck and shoulder pain

5. Ringing in the ears

6. There are a number of treatment options available for TMJ/TMD depending on the source and severity of your condition. Some patients benefit from the use of transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS), which uses a low-level electrical current to relax your jaw muscles and allow your jaw to settle into its natural resting position.

Other patients may find success with oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards; these devices are designed to hold your mouth in its proper position as you sleep. Patients with more severe cases of TMJ/TMD may need orthodontic treatment. In some instances, patients find relief with lifestyle changes or physical therapy.

Dr. Erickson will thoroughly assess your condition and recommend a treatment option based on your unique needs. Please contact Modern Dentistry Associates today to schedule your TMJ/TMD consultation. Dr. Erickson is proud to serve patients from the St. Joseph and Kalamazoo, Michigan areas, and South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana, areas.