What is Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine Syndrome?

A health article about Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine from Migraine & Headache Problems the A to Z directory of
dealing with Health Problems & nutritional
Self Care Strategies

"Ouch! My ear hurts like crazy. I have been noticing my jaw popping occasionally. I hope I am not going to need another root canal. That last root canal really hurt twice.

I am not sure which hurt worse: my mouth or my pocketbook. If I had a fever, I would swear I had an ear infection. I am going to the doctor and get a prescription of antibiotics. Maybe that will help."

This patient has TMJ, temporomandibular joint syndrome. Antibiotics are only required if the patient has subsequent tooth abscess. I cannot begin to tell you how many patients I have seen who would demand antibiotics to treat this non-infectious condition. TMJ is extremely common in the migraine syndrome (explained below). The muscle tightness in the upper neck just below the mastoid process (part of skull behind the ear) also correlates well to the tightness in the temple and jaw muscle.

I found it extremely rare for a patient to have TMJ and not have migraines. Usually a severe cross bite or other malformation of the mouth would be present if the patient did not have migraines. This person falls into the migraine syndrome profile. Let me explain what I mean by the migraine syndrome. It is the outward expression of the body's sensitivity to light, sound, smell, food, and/or stress. Some people are more sensitive than others; therefore, their reactions to different stimuli are greater. This sensitivity can be manifested in the body as migraines, sinus headaches, neck aches, palpitations, irritable bowel syndrome, motion sickness or vertigo, reactive hypoglycemia, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), panic attacks, and/or fibromyalgia. Now that's a mouthful! Understanding what is going on with you is very important in the healing process. ENT surgeons, dentists, physical therapists, psychologists can all play a role in treatment of TMJ. A headache specialist that understands the role of migraine syndrome in TMJ or an enlightened primary care physician can make the difference in your outcome.

About the author:

J. Wes Tanner, MD, is a family practice and headache specialist who has been treating people for about 30 years. He has extensive experience in treating migraines and fibromyalgia with excellent success. In Doctor, Why Do I Feel This Way?, Dr. Tanner exposes the secrets and myths about fibromyalgia and the migraine syndrome. To find out more, go to http://www.migrainesyndrome.net

What is a Migraine?
It is estimated that up to 26 million Americans suffer from Migraine headaches and it is considered one of the top reasons for missed work and loss of production. Among these, 8 million suffer from debilitating pain every year. These attacks render them incapacitated to the point that they can no longer perform their daily activities.

In fact, about 60 million work days are collectively lost every year, costing the United States some 17 billion dollars because of the lost time and medical expenses. More women than men suffer from migraine.

A debilitating Migraine headache can last from 4 to 72 hours and can be accompanied by intense pain, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, vertigo, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. After affects of a migraine can leave the sufferer drained and without energy accompanied by a low grade headache with oversensitivity to light and sound and can last for another 24 hours.

Most Migraine headaches sufferers cannot identify what triggers the headaches and a long and varied list exists that differs with each individual. The same factors do not necessarily trigger a Migraine on a consistent basis either. Statistically, women are more prone to Migraines than men with claims that the decline in estrogen during menstruation is the trigger and the onset can begin immediately to a few days delay.

Though all migraines are headaches, all headaches are not migraines. There can be many causes like high blood pressure, cervical spondylosis and poor eyesight being a few. So every one with headaches should not think he is suffering from migraine.

The broad criterion of diagnosis is if you have two or more of the following symptoms during a attack it is probable you are suffering from migraine
(To read the rest of this article click on the Title above here.)

to “Your Health Success”
our monthly F’R’E’E’ Newsletter

Back to Top of Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine page

Subscribe to “Your Health Success” newsletter
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Site Map

============================================================================
SITE DISCLAIMER: Do these products “cure” anything? Of course not… but it stands to reason that if you cleanse your body and feed it the finest nutrition available, giving it everything it needs in balance, on a daily basis, that your body will do what nature intended, and give you the best possible chance to fend off sickness and disease. This Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
The Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine resources on this site are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While all attempts have been made to verify Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the web site Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine subject matter herein. The site Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine contents are solely the opinion of the authors and should not be considered as a form of advice, direction and/or recommendation of any kind. If expert advice or counseling is needed, services of a competent professional should be sought. The author and the Publisher assume no responsibility or liability and specifically disclaim any warranty, express or implied for any Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine products or services mentioned, or any techniques or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine practices described.
The purchaser or reader of thi Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine s publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Neither the author nor the Publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any purchaser or reader of these Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Migraine materials. There is no guarantee of validity of accuracy. Any perceived slight of specific people or organizations is unintentional. This website and its creators are not responsible for the content of any sites linked to. Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
============================================================================

Back to Top of page