TMJ and chronic headaches
Anybody else experience TMJ and chronic headaches?
I have been having headaches for 16 years. I have TMJ and lately it has been getting worse. I wear a mouth guard at night and a retainer during the day. I am on two anti-depressants and muscle relaxers to try and relax my muscles. I really don't have alot of stress in my life. I am tired of people saying you need to learn to relax. My husband says if I relax any more then my heart will stop. I can't break the habit. I just don't were to go from here. Any suggestions?
Hi jen883,
One of the most important things is to get an accurate diagnosis. To simplify matters and make it easier for people to get information and treatment, doctors usually go by the gold standard for diagnosis, the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD-II). Under ICHD-II, there is no diagnosis of "chronic headaches." We do see it used, but doctors use it differently, so it really doesn't tell anyone what type of Migraine you actually have at type of Migraine you actually have. You can read more about this in Ocular, Optical, and Opthalmic Migraines and The Type of Migraine Does Matter.
If TMJ or teeth clenching is a triggers a Migraine attack for you, there are different options available. This aNTI-TSS can be great for people with those triggers. If someone has TMJ or clenching AND other triggers, it can help reduce those triggered by TMJ or clenching, but it won't help Migraines caused by their other triggers. This is the link for the site done by the doctor who developed the device is http://www.nti-tss.com/.
Have you seen a Migraine specialist? If your doctor isn't able to help you, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.
I hope this helps,
Nancy
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