04 Jun , 17:13
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Chronic headaches do not always have a purely neurological origin — quite often their source is hidden in the dental system. Experts identify malocclusion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction as one of the most underestimated causes of excruciating migraines.
As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to "Gazeta.Ru," prosthodontist Nodira Sarsadskikh drew attention to an important pattern: when the teeth do not align properly, the lower jaw is forced into an unnatural position. This triggers a chain reaction — the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulders begin working under increased strain, resulting in constant tension and debilitating headaches.
According to the specialist, the backward displacement of the lower jaw poses a particular danger. In this situation, pressure on the joint area, which is literally permeated with nerve endings and blood vessels, increases sharply. The result is pain that can easily be mistaken for a migraine.
As the expert explained, this type of discomfort most often spreads to the temples, the back of the head, and the neck. A characteristic detail: symptoms frequently worsen in the morning — due to involuntary teeth clenching during sleep — or toward the evening — after prolonged chewing and talking.
Additional warning signs also help identify the problem: clicking and crunching in the jaw joint, a feeling of stiffness and fatigue in the facial muscles. For a self-check, specialists recommend a simple test — opening and closing the mouth wide several times while paying attention to any unusual sounds or deviation of the jaw to one side.
If treatment by a neurologist does not produce lasting results, the doctor recommends consulting an ENT specialist and a gnathologist. Diagnosis typically includes an assessment of the bite, the condition of the muscles and joints, as well as an MRI or CT scan. Among the main treatment methods is splint therapy using a custom-made mouthguard, which helps relieve muscle tension and return the jaw to the correct position.
