Migraines or TMJ?

It is very common for people who suffer from frequent migraines to have Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD/TMJ). Many times, people seek treatment from neurologists and due to a lack of dental training, the neurologist may not realize that these painful headaches are caused by TMJ. Obviously, dentists typically do not have neurology training so it is very important to understand your symptoms so you can see the correct doctor.

TMJ Symptoms
- Increased pain when chewing
- Increased pain when speaking
- Feel pain around your jaw joints
- Feel like your jaw is "locked"
- Difficulty opening your mouth very wide, or opening at all

Many patients with TMJ have a tendency to clench their jaw, grind their teeth, and cannot relax their jaw at night. Stress can increase pain and we suggest these exercises to decrease pain: http://www.thetmjdoctor.blogspot.com/2013/11/tmj-exercises.html

Although it may sound strange to visit a dentist for your headaches, Dr. Farnad is an oral surgeon who specializes in treating TMJ. His individualized treatment plans and unparalleled treatment has made him a leader in TMJ.

For more information about what TMJ treatment is right for you, call our office for a consultation 

(310)276-5300 or toll free (866)DOC-4TMJ.  

Are Your Headaches Caused by TMJ Disorder?

Millions of Americans suffer from headaches. Each year, more people are misdiagnosed and the source of their headaches remains undetected. Frequently, a jaw joint disorder or jaw alignment is the culprit of constant neck pain and chronic headaches. If you are experiencing headaches more than once a month you may be experiencing TMJ symptoms.

People who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines are often surprised to find relief in TMJ treatments. TMJ remedies work for these patients because numerous migraine symptoms are the same as TMJ symptoms. Some identical symptoms include: resistance to over-the-counter medications, neck pain, sensitivity to light, dizziness, tension in the head, jaw, shoulders, and neck.

So how do you know if you have TMJ?

Statistically, most TMJ sufferers are female and their TMJ symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as migraines. Their painful symptoms are sometimes masked but the source of the pain is not treated because it is not diagnosed properly. The pain TMJ sufferers experience often begins in the jaw joint, neck, ear, temple area, and shoulders. Over time, the actual jaw joint can collect debris and damage may occur. Other symptoms, such as muscle stiffness can limit a person's range of motion in the jaw. When this occurs, people often describe their TMJ as "locked jaw". This can be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound or even lead to hearing problems.

Migraines and headaches related to TMJ are typically moderate to severe in pain and people experience severe pain around the entire head, neck, or behind the eyes, around the jaw joint and ears. If you occasionally experience one of these symptoms you do not need to panic. However, if you frequently feel these symptoms, once or more times a month then you should seek proper medical attention to address your potential TMJ.

When you see Dr. Farnad for your TMJ consultation, he will review your migraine and headache history, in addition to a full medical evaluation. At this time, he will also create a treatment plan specifically designed to treat the actual problem, not just mask the symptoms. There are numerous affective TMJ treatments that will greatly reduce your migraine and headache pain.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Farnad, call (310)276-5300.

Have questions? The TMJ Doctor is happy to answer them, just email dr.fariborzfarnad@gmail.com

421 N. Rodeo Dr. #T8

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310)276-5300

www.thetmjdoctor.com

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TMJ Specialist for Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas