02 Oct Headache Risks and How to Eliminate Them
Headaches are often treated with medication, but if you are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) your risks and treatment might be different.
The Risks
There are many correlations between headaches and TMD, and the combination of both can cause your risk for episodic tension and episodic migraines to climb. This is why it is highly recommended that neurologists and dentists have a close interaction as they treat patients with primary headaches and facial pain.
Risk-Reducing Lifestyle Changes
Here’s a list of ways you can reduce your risks when suffering from TMD:
- Lessening or avoiding alcohol intake altogether
- Quitting cigarette smoking
- Improving posture
- Working out / losing excess weight
- Avoiding sugar, gluten, and dairy
- Improving sleep habits
- Supporting your bite
Focus on the above list, and you’ll be on your way toward better health and pain reduction!
Treatments
Before treatment can begin, a dentist or TMJ & TMD specialist must determine the source of your headache. She will try to understand whether you are suffering from migraines, TMD, or another form of headache. If your migraines are caused by TMD it is critical that you get proper treatment to combat your chronic pain and prevent further facial pain issues.