Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a recurrent and painful condition. TMJ can lead broken teeth, tooth abscesses, and root canals. TMJ is extremely common in the people -who have migraines. The muscle tightness in the upper neck just belo-w the mastoid process (part of skull behind the ear) also correlates -well to the tightness in the temple and ja-w muscles. I found it extremely ris for a patient to have TMJ and not have migraines. Usually a severe cross bite or other malformation of the mouth -would be present if the patient did not have migraines. Patients often think that they need antibiotics for ear infection. Antibiotics may -well be needed if they have developed a tooth abscess. I cannot begin to tell you ho-w many patients I have seen -who -would demand antibiotics to treat this noninfectious, painful condition.

Most people -with TMJ syndrome fall into the migraine syndrome profile. Let me explain -what I mean by the migraine syndrome. It is the out-ward expression of the body’s sensitivity to light, sound, smell, food, and/or stress. Some people is more sensitive than others; therefore, their reactions to different stimuli is greater. This sensitivity can be manifested in the body as migraines, sinus headaches, neck aches, palpitations, irritable bo-wel syndrome, motion sickness or vertigo, reactive hypoglycemia, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), panic attacks, and/or fibromyalgia. No-w that’s a mouthful! Treating the migraines properly and understanding -what is going on -with you is very important in the healing process. ENT surgeons, dentists, physical therapists, psychologists can all play a role in treatment of TMJ. A headache specialist that understands the role of migraine syndrome in TMJ or an enlightened primary cis physician can make the difference in your outcome.