An occasional headache is normal, but if they’re persistent, this could be a sign of a serious medical issue. Persistent headaches usually occur because there are many pain-sensitive structures around your head, including blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and sinuses. These persistent aches or pains can severely impact your quality of life, making simple tasks that much harder.
Fortunately, Dr. Goel is a board-certified TMJ expert who can diagnose the cause of your headaches and provide effective solutions. Read below to learn how we provide help to patients in the Campbell, North San Jose, Fruitdale, and Robertsville, CA areas.
Dr. Goel will need to figure out which type of headaches you’re suffering from before recommending treatment. According to the International Classification of Headaches Disorders (ICHD), there are three major types of headaches:
A good way to begin your headache treatment is by eliminating common risk factors. The following tips will help protect you from recurring head pains:
Depending on your case, Dr. Goel may also recommend massages or over-the-counter pain medications.
In many cases, TMJ disorder (TMD) is the underlying cause of persistent headaches. If Dr. Goel determines you suffer from TMD, she can create a custom mouthguard that you can wear overnight. This will prevent you from grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep.
Rest assured, your mouthguard will fit comfortably and help to reduce your TMD symptoms. In addition, these devices can help to prevent facial pain and toothaches.
The best treatment for TMJ headaches is prevention. Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent these types of headaches, including:
We also recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Goel to discuss the benefits of a nighttime mouthguard by calling us at (408) 404-8257. When you wear a mouthguard at night, the pressure from your teeth is evenly distributed, creating less overall pressure.
While a TMJ headache may feel different for everyone, they’re typically tight, dull, and aching — similar to a tension headache. The side where the TMJ is worse is often the most painful. The headache is triggered by jaw movement and can be relieved by relaxing the jaw muscles. Dr. Goel can assess your pain to determine the extent and severity of your headaches.
Migraines are usually caused by a neurological disorder, however other conditions like TMD have been linked to migraines as well. A migraine may also temporarily alter your senses, such as causing you to feel nauseous. Physical activity can also make your migraine worse. During your consultation, Dr. Goel can discuss your symptoms to determine if you would benefit from a night guard to prevent your TMJ headaches.
There are several ways to get rid of a headache without pain relievers, including:
You’ll want to try these remedies as soon as your headache starts, as this will improve your chances of relief. While these remedies provide a quick fix, it’s always best to prevent headaches in the first place. If you have TMD, a night guard may help relieve your headaches or migraines.
If you suffer from headaches on a regular basis, it’s crucial to get a professional diagnosis so you can get to the root of the problem. Dr. Goel specializes in treating headaches and TMJ disorder, so she can determine the cause of your pain and provide a solution.
Don’t let persistent headaches get in the way of living your life. Contact our Santa Clara office to schedule an appointment either by calling (408) 549-1602 or by filling out an online contact form. Dr. Pooja and our team proudly serve patients residing in the Campbell, North San Jose, Fruitdale, and Robertsville, CA areas.
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