Migraine Headaches

The Role of the Dentist in treating Headaches and Migraines
By Jacques Doueck DDS


According to a study by Dr. Wesley Shankland, using a simple bite guard, dentists can treat and prevent migraine headaches in as many as 56% to 91% of migraine sufferers. The anterior bite guard has been approved by the FDA to treat migraine headaches. Another common scenario, patients will come to us after theyve seen the Ear Nose and Throat specialist for an earache. The E.N.T. specialist has told them, Your ears are clear you should see a dentist.
What the specialist means is that you may have TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) pain dysfunction. The pain may be in the ear, neck, jaw joint, or a diffuse headache. The good news is that 80% of these patients heal with simple anterior bite guard and self-treatment.
TMJ syndrome: The jaw joints are called Tempromandibular joints. The anterior appliance is a revolutionary new type of bite guard designed to treat headaches and migraines. One of the most important considerations in bite guard therapy is will the patient wear it. Because the anterior bite guard is so small, patients find it less of a hassle to wear.
What causes TMJ dysfunction?
1. Clenching or grinding most commonly at night. Although we are not aware of it, we clench and grind. This is a NORMAL reaction to everyday stress. When we are under greater stress or the bodys resistance is down, pain in the muscles of the head, neck and back develops. Teeth that dont mesh properly may act as a trigger for clenching and grinding. According to a recent survey done by Prevention Magazine, 73% of adults said they feel great stress on a weekly basis. The muscles of jaw are powerful, capable of applying 750 to 1000 pounds of pressure on the teeth. It is amazing that the teeth and jaw joints can withstand such constant forces. Sometimes they cant.
A simple piece of plastic can be all that it takes to protect the teeth and eliminate discomfort. This little appliance, which cost less than $200, can be effective in treating or preventing headache and migraine.

2. Postural habits If you are sitting in front of a computer all day you may not be aware of the strain you put on your head and neck muscles Your head weighs as much as a bowling ball. If you sit with your head hanging forward you will cause muscle strain leading to headaches or backaches. When your mother told you to sit and stand up straight, she was giving you very important advice. The muscles of the head and neck are designed to function in a special balance. When you lean your head forward, protruding your head and neck, you create stresses on your muscles. If you work at a computer the same postural concerns apply. Recently a young mother came to us because she had terrible headaches. Because she was not getting relief from the anterior bite guard, we referred her to a dentist with advanced training in treating head and neck pain. After his exam and evaluation he discovered that it was the way she held her baby during feeding that put a strain on her head and neck muscles. Besides her bite guard, we referred her to a physical therapist that specializes in head and neck therapy.

Important: There are many possible reasons for pain in the head and neck. An examination is essential to rule out other causes. What else could it be? Trigeminal neuralgia, rheumatoid arthritis, sinusitis, tooth infection, cluster headaches, etc.

Three-part self-treatment
1.Accupressure. Find the muscles that are sore. Muscles of the head and neck can become inflamed just like a charley-horse. By applying finger pressure for about 5-10 minutes to those inflamed muscles our patients often gain relief.
2.Moist Heat A heating pad with a damp towel in the area of the inflammation for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day.
3.Advil 200mg One tablet every 4 hours. This is not only for pain but also as an anti-inflammatory medication.
We find self-treatment is a good first step. If that is not effective we will then fabricate an NTI bite guard. This is usually adequate for 80% of patients with acute TMJ pain. For more information call Dr. Doueck at 718-339-7982

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• Migraine
• TMJ
• Headaches
• neck pain
• health
• howto
• teeth
• therapy