June is Headache & Migraine Awareness Month – a month dedicated to increasing attention and promoting the funding of research into treatments for chronic headaches of all kinds. However, if you struggle with frequent, debilitating headaches, effective treatment options may already exist. The best way to determine if your headaches could be controlled or completely eliminated through neuromuscular dentistry is by calling 317-793-6133 and scheduling an evaluation at our Indianapolis office.
TMJ is the name given to several disorders that result in jaw misalignment. This condition causes muscles around the jaw to tense, placing pressure on the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve supplies sensation to nearly every part of the face and head. It is also responsible for functions such as opening and shutting the jaw.
Pressure placed on the trigeminal nerve often results in serious pain around the jaw joint. This, along with clicking, popping and grinding noises while chewing, is one of the primary symptoms of TMJ. Chronic headaches are another. And because these particular headaches are caused by a misaligned jaw, without treatment to restore alignment they are not likely to stop occurring.
TMJ headaches may feel similar to migraine headaches, although they are not the same thing. TMJ headaches, caused by muscle tension and pressure on the trigeminal nerve, cannot be treated with pain medications or BOTOX® injections. While these efforts may address symptoms, they cannot restore alignment and will, therefore, fail to produce any lasting results.
By contrast, TMJ treatment provided by Indianapolis dentist Dr. John R. Phelps is customized to address the underlying cause of chronic head pain. Through bite restoration and other advanced services, Dr. Phelps may be able to relax and retrain facial muscles and provide a long-term solution for your headaches. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more.
Dr. Phelps is an experienced and caring dentist serving Indianapolis, Lawrence, Plainfield, Shelbyville, and all surrounding communities.
