Headaches

What causes headaches?

Headaches are caused by an irritation in your cranial nerves and brain. This commonly happens due to muskuloskeletal strain or  degenration but can also be a sign of more serious conditions.  Any sudden severe and new headache is a medical emergency and should seek medical care immediately.  We also recommend that patients consult their medical doctor for any new headaches so a comprehensive medical evaluation can be done.   There are contributing factors thought to trigger a headache, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Menstruation
• Weather changes
• Bright lights
• A blood sugar drop
• Caffeine spike or drop
• Exhaustion
• Disrupted sleep patterns and poor sleep quality
• Poor posture
• Trauma or accident
• Abnormal joint movements
• Straining and inflammation of the eyes
• Food sensitivities and allergies
• Muscle tension and tightness in the neck, jaw, and shoulders
• Poor posture

Other key factors that could play a role in triggering headaches are excessive alcohol consumption, processed foods containing chemical substances like nitrates, and stress.

Headaches can be a symptom of autoimmune diseases and certain health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Teeth clenching and TMJ disorders are often headache triggers.

What are the symptoms of headaches?

As well as head pain, in many instances, headaches come along with other symptoms, such as: 

• Neck pain
• Light and sound sensitivity
• Irritability
• Swelling of the temples and the head
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Facial pain
• Decreased appetite
• TMJ

 You might experience neck and shoulder pain and dysfunction with your headaches.

Head pain can be debilitating and cause other problems, such as cognitive impairment and sleep disruption.

What are the treatment options for my headache?

After determining the cause of your headache, Drs. Pehling and Gupta help you decide the best treatment to give you relief and prevent future headaches from occurring.

Depending on the cause of your headache, treatment options could include: 

• Oral appliance therapy
• Lifestyle changes, such as a nutrient-dense diet and stress management
• Botox and other injections, such as steroid injections
• Medications, such as anti-inflammatories, nerve stabilizers and muscle relaxers
• Physical Medicine such as myofascial release or joint, nerve and muscle injections
• Referal to other medical specialists

In some cases, a procedure might be necessary to resolve problems associated with TMJ.

During your personal consultation, you’re given valuable information on the variety of treatment options available to you at TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center. Dr. Pehling might decide it’s best to use certain treatments in conjunction.

For many headaches, the goal is to relieve muscle stress and tension — two leading factors. Many treatments are aimed at improving and encouraging the normal range of motion of your joints and muscles in your neck and jaw and decreasing any aggravating factors. 

Dr. Pehling might suggest a surgical procedure if there’s clear evidence that a vertebrae or disc is out of place and causing dysfunction and pain. Dr. Pehling collaborates with his medical specialist colleagues frequently. 

Find relief from your persistent headaches so you can think clearly again. Call the TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center or use the online scheduler.