Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
One of the most painful headache types is the ‘TMJ Migraine Headache’ affecting many Scotts Valley residents. These migraines may cause ‘Auras’ that are a sense of an impending migraine coming, affect vision, cause nausea, photosensitivity and severe pain. TMJ headaches and migraines are often related to a malocclusion (a bad or imbalanced bite) and integrative TMJ treatments can effectively prevent TMJ migraine headaches from occurring.
Common migraines are now understood to be the result of an increase in blood pressure or volume within the lining of the brain called the Dura Mater.
Understanding TMJ Headaches in Santa Cruz County
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) tension headaches and migraines can also be the direct result of muscle knots in the temple area on the side of your head. This muscle, the Temporalis muscle, can become tired and often ‘cramps up’ while helping close the lower teeth to meet the upper teeth. Over-exertion of the Temporalis muscle is a direct result of a malocclusion, or in layman’s terms a bad or imbalanced bite.
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry in Scotts Valley, we understand that TMJ-related headaches require a comprehensive, integrative approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes.
Common TMJ Headache Symptoms in Scotts Valley Include:
- Severe temple pain and pressure
- Morning headaches upon waking
- Migraine-like symptoms with nausea and light sensitivity
- Tension headaches that worsen throughout the day
- Pain behind the eyes that mimics sinus issues
- Neck and shoulder tension accompanying head pain
TMJ Migraines and Headaches Are Often ‘Referred’ Pain
When your Temporalis muscles are relentlessly strained or squeezed, it can result in tension headaches in Santa Cruz County. Other muscles can create other types of headaches. A neck muscle called the ‘trapezius’ can pinch nerves at the back of the head and cause a “sinus headache” behind the eye. It feels like a sharp pain behind the eye or a pressure behind the eye.
Many Scotts Valley patients think this is a sinus headache but in fact is referred muscle and nerve pain from the back of the skull. This referred pain may also cause a headache on the very top of your skull or on the side of your head above your ears.
Understanding Referred Pain Patterns:
- Temple Area Pain: Often caused by overworked Temporalis muscles from jaw clenching
- Behind-Eye Pain: Frequently mistaken for sinus issues but actually
- TMJ-related Top-of-Head Pain: Can result from neck muscle tension connected to
- TMJ disorders Side-of-Head Pain: Often radiates from jaw joint dysfunction
Where is Your TMJ Located?
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, located just in front of the ears on either side of the head. These joints are the hinges upon which your jaw moves when chewing and talking. The TMJ is considered the most complicated joint in the body because it can rotate up and down as well as slide, which is known as translation.
Dental malocclusion and muscle imbalances, strain from tooth clenching and grinding all affect the workings (physiology) of your body. Bringing balance back into the body helps you fight the painful occurrence of both TMJ Tension Headaches and Migraines.
How TMJ Affects Your Whole Body
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we recognize that TMJ disorders impact more than just your jaw:
- Muscle tension patterns throughout the head and neck
- Blood flow changes that can trigger migraines
- Nerve pathway disruptions causing referred pain
- Stress responses that worsen headache frequency
- Sleep quality issues that increase headache susceptibility
Integrative Treatment of TMJ Migraines and Headaches in Scotts Valley
Our Comprehensive Integrative Approach:
- Holistic Assessment: We evaluate your entire health picture, including stress levels, nutrition, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to TMJ headaches.
- Custom Orthotics: Removable orthotics designed specifically for your jaw alignment needs, helping to reduce muscle strain and headache frequency.
- Muscle Relaxation Therapy: Gentle muscle relaxation techniques that address tension patterns throughout your head, neck, and jaw area.
- Nutritional Support: Anti-inflammatory nutrition guidance to support your body’s natural healing processes and reduce migraine triggers.
- Stress Management Integration: Since stress often worsens TMJ disorders and headaches, we incorporate stress reduction techniques into your treatment plan.
- Coordinated Care: We work with other healthcare providers, including NUCCA Chiropractors who can help align the head and neck and improve blood flow, potentially affecting the occurrence of TMJ migraines and headaches.
Advanced Treatment Options:
- Ultra Low Frequency TENS: This technology allows accurate evaluation of the effect of relaxed muscles on dental orthotics, helping us provide more effective TMJ headache treatment.
- Bite Correction: Definitive changes are only made after successful initial treatment, ensuring the best outcomes for TMJ headache relief.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: For severe cases, comprehensive treatment to restore proper jaw alignment and eliminate chronic TMJ headaches.
Why Choose Integrative TMJ Headache Treatment in Scotts Valley?
Integrative dentistry offers unique advantages for TMJ headache treatment:
- Addresses root causes rather than just masking symptoms
- Considers whole-body health and lifestyle factors
- Uses natural approaches when possible
- Reduces dependency on pain medications
- Provides longer-lasting relief through comprehensive care
- Coordinates with other healthcare providers for optimal outcomes
Our Integrative Treatment Process:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Detailed assessment of your TMJ function, bite alignment, and headache patterns
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Customized approach based on your specific needs and health goals
- Initial Treatment Phase: Removable orthotics and muscle relaxation techniques
- Progress Monitoring: Regular evaluation to ensure treatment effectiveness
- Long-term Maintenance: Ongoing support to prevent TMJ headache recurrence
Take Control of Your TMJ Headaches Today
If you suffer from TMJ headaches or migraines in Scotts Valley, an integrative dentist like our team at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry can help. Our holistic approach to TMJ treatment addresses not just your symptoms, but the underlying causes of your headaches.
Signs You May Need TMJ Headache Treatment:
- Frequent headaches that seem connected to jaw tension
- Morning headaches after a night of teeth grinding
- Headaches that worsen with stress or jaw clenching
- Pain behind the eyes that doesn’t respond to sinus treatment
- Temple pain that coincides with jaw discomfort
- Neck and shoulder tension accompanying your headaches
Schedule Your TMJ Headache Consultation in Scotts Valley
Don’t let TMJ headaches and migraines continue to impact your quality of life. Contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry today at (831) 438-4411 to schedule your comprehensive TMJ headache evaluation. Our integrative approach to headache treatment can help you find lasting relief and prevent future episodes.
Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry
Scotts Valley, CA
📞 (831) 438-4411
