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Headaches can be one of the most aggravating forms of pain. They increase sensitivity to many other forms of pain, interfere with work, family and social lives, and can even impact appetite, sleep, and processes necessary to maintain a healthy body. Headaches can be caused by several factors, and vary in degree, intensity, and location. Frequent headaches are an indication of a larger problem; one contributing factor to frequent headaches may be temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Symptoms of headaches caused by TMD share some universal qualities with many other types of headaches. This may include:

• Face, eye, and ear pain

• Pressure behind the eyes or in the ears

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Nausea

Since these symptoms are common with many forms of headaches, it is important to have a qualified dentist perform an extensive evaluation to diagnose TMD. Special diagnostic equipment can be used to determine if your headaches are being caused by TMD.

TMD is a problem with your jaw, jaw joint or surrounding muscles that causes your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to stop functioning properly. Other indications that your headaches may be related to TMD would include:

• Limited jaw movement

• Popping or clicking in the jaw

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Facial pain

• Teeth grinding

• Jaw clenching

If your headaches are accompanied by any of these symptoms, you should see a TMD/TMJ specialist as soon as possible to see if your headaches are being caused by this disorder.

TENS Unit
One of the several machines used to treat TMD is the TENS unit. Using electrical stimulation, the TENS unit completely relaxes the muscles surrounding the TMJ. Once the muscles are relaxed, your jaw can be reset in its natural position with the use of orthodontic or common dental procedures. The result is a TMJ that functions properly, and an end to headaches – literal and metaphorical – caused by TMD.

No one should have to live with the complications of frequent headaches. If you suffer from frequent headaches in the St. Louis, Missouri area, and are concerned that they may be caused by TMD, please visit the website TMD specialist Dr. Quigless for a consultation and evaluation of your symptoms.