Cluster headaches are notorious for their severity and their unpredictable nature. Many sufferers of these debilitating headaches have sought treatment for years without finding a solution. For some, a connection exists between their headache and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Dr. Kelley Mingus of Bend Oregon understands this connection, and uses a whole-body approach to help patients achieve lasting relief from their cluster headaches.
What are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are a highly painful type of headache that comes on suddenly and without warning. For many, cluster headaches can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, and attacks may occur several times throughout the day. In addition to severe pain, individuals with cluster headaches commonly experience:
- Agitation
- Nasal congestion
- Drooping and/or swelling in the eyelids
- Tearing
- Flushed or pale skin
- Increased sensitivity to light and loud noises
Causes and Risk Factors for Cluster Headaches
Medical professionals and researchers have not pinpointed a cause of cluster headaches. However, there are several identified risk factors for developing
cluster headaches
.
Males are three times as likely to have
cluster headaches
as females. Risk for developing cluster headaches increases with age, peaking in individuals between the ages of ages 40 and 70. Other known risk factors for
cluster headaches
include:
- Tobacco use,
- Migraines
- A family history of cluster headaches
- High stress and anxiety levels
- Underlying neurological conditions
- Sleep disturbances
- Trauma
- Seasonal changes
How TMJ Dysfunction Can Cause Cluster Headaches
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. Anatomically, this joint is located just in front of each ear, and it plays a role in chewing, talking and yawning. TMJ dysfunction, or TMD, occurs when the mechanism becomes misaligned, strained or inflamed. When one or both TMJ’s are not functioning as they should, a variety of symptoms can occur, such as:
- Jaw pain
- Clicking or popping noises when chewing or talking
- A feeling of locking or limited jaw motion
- Facial pain, earache or headache
- Toothache or tooth pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Shoulder and upper back pain
For many individuals with TMJ dysfunction, the
headaches
they experience may be more severe and intense than those seen with common tension
headaches.
TMJ dysfunction can cause severe and relentless
headaches
that mimic cluster
headaches.
TMJ induced
headaches
generally occur in the area of the temple and behind the eye, and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as severe jaw and tooth pain, pain in the ear and ringing in the ears, as well as dizziness and loss of balance. The
headaches
may be a result of muscle spasms of the masticatory muscles, which are the primary muscles used during chewing, and which can be affected by TMJ dysfunction.
How Dr. Kelley Mingus and Team Can Help
Dr. Kelley Mingus and her team of dental and medical professionals in Bend Oregon understand the unique connection between TMJ dysfunction and headaches, including cluster headaches. For over 30 years, Dr. Mingus has helped hundreds of individuals achieve relief from their
headaches
through the use of the optimal care at the TMJ Center of Bend.
Dr. Mingus and her team work hard to achieve the absolute best care for patients, which is the cornerstone of their practice. Both onsite and offsite diagnostic and imaging services are available, as are comprehensive treatment options. Dr. Mingus integrates the latest in dental technology, and implements a completely whole-body approach to treatment that examines areas such as lifestyle, stress, sleep and diet. Additionally, dental therapy such as occlusal splints, dental implants and microcurrent stimulation are commonly utilized.
Whether
headaches
are caused by TMJ dysfunction, or an individual is looking for a preventative approach to TMJ disorder development, Dr. Kelley Mingus and her team can help any patient achieve lasting relief. To make an appointment for an evaluation and discuss treatment options, you can call Dr. Mingus in Bend, Oregon at 541-382-2035. ~~
