Many people who suffer from migraines may also experience jaw pain and stiffness. It is common for people with migraines to believe that their jaw pain and migraines are unrelated, but there is actually a strong connection between locked jaw and migraines. Both conditions can be influenced by the same underlying causes, and understanding how they relate can help to improve the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of both conditions.
What is Locking Jaw?
Locking jaw is a condition in which you are unable to fully open or close your mouth due to a misalignment in the jaw. The jaw can become locked or ‘stuck’ in an open or closed position, leaving you in significant discomfort. This condition may cause pain when speaking, eating, or even moving the jaw.
What Are Migraines?
Migraines are severe and sometimes debilitating headaches that can last for hours or even days. Often, migraines are associated with additional symptoms such as auras, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and vomiting. They generally develop on one side of the head, though they can affect both sides of the head.
The Connection Between Locking Jaw and Migraines
There is increasing evidence to suggest that locking jaw and migraines are related. Both conditions have been linked to common underlying causes such as stress, poor posture, muscle tension, hormone fluctuations, and more. When a person’s jaw becomes misaligned due to muscle tension and stress, it can cause the muscles in the face to tighten even further, which can lead to pain and discomfort in the head and neck. This tension and stress can also contribute to the onset of migraines.
Additionally, studies have shown that the trigeminal nerve, which runs through the jaw and is responsible for the movement of the jaw, also has connections to the brainstem, which is believed to play a key role in the maintenance of migraines. Furthermore, the trigeminal nerve can also carry signals to and from other nerves that can cause the onset of migraines. This means that if the jaw is not aligned correctly due to locking jaw, it may disrupt the signals being carried along the trigeminal nerve, leading to the onset of a migraine.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Knowing that these two conditions are related is an important step towards proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of locking jaw or migraines, it is important to seek medical attention. A qualified healthcare provider can conduct a full examination and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history in order to properly diagnose the conditions.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your healthcare provider can recommend a variety of treatment options to help relieve your symptoms. For those with lock jaw, some potential treatment options may include physical therapy, muscle relaxants, oral devices, and sometimes even surgical procedures. For those experiencing migraines, potential treatments may include medication, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
Locking jaw and migraines are two conditions that are more closely related than many people realize. These two conditions can share common underlying causes and can influence one another. By understanding that these two conditions are related, it can lead to the development of more effective diagnosis and treatment options for those who are suffering from these symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of locking jaw or migraines, it is important to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider.
