Headache Solutions in San Jose, CA
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What is a Headache?

A headache is an ache or pain that occurs anywhere in your face, neck, or head. They occur because there are many pain-sensitive structures around your head including blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and sinuses.

While it’s normal for everyone to get an occasional headache, frequent or recurring headaches are a serious problem that requires medical attention. Dr. Goel is a board-certified TMJ specialist who can diagnose the cause of your headaches and provide an effective solution.

Types of Headaches

In order to determine the best treatment, Dr. Goel will need to figure out which type of headaches you’re suffering from. According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), there are three major types of headaches:

1. Migranes -- Migraines are one of the most prevalent forms of headaches, affecting roughly 15 percent of the population. The underlying cause of migraines is unknown, though genetics and hormone levels are believed to be a factor. Stress, hunger, and fatigue are also known to trigger migraines.
2. Tension-Type Headaches -- This is the most common type of headache, found in all age groups and and equally affecting men and women. They typically cause pain to spread like a band around your head, from your forehead to the base of your skull. Tension-type headaches occur when your muscles tense up in response to stress or injury, sometimes without your awareness.
3. Cluster Headaches -- Cluster headaches are five to eight times more common among men. They result in severe pain around your eyes or along the side of your head. The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, though they’re suspected to be related to a sudden release of histamine or serotonin. This may be triggered by factors such as alcohol, cigarettes, high altitude, heat exertion, and bright light.

Treatment Solutions

A good way to start your headache treatment is by eliminating common risk factors. The following tips will help protect you from a recurring problem:

• Exercise more frequently/lose weight
• Sleep for seven to nine hours every night
• Improve your head/neck posture
• Quit smoking
• Drink less alcohol or stop entirely
• Manage teeth grinding/clenching
• Avoid foods that are high in gluten, dairy, sugar and preservatives

Depending on your case, Dr. Goel may also recommend massages or over-the-counter pain medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any natural ways to treat TMJ headaches?

When it comes to TMJ headaches, the best treatment is prevention. Making certain lifestyle changes may help prevent headaches caused by TMJ, including:

• Avoid chewy foods
• Avoid exaggerated or excessive jaw motions such as yawning and chewing gum
• Practice relaxtion techniques to decrease stress
• Ice
• Practivce jaw exercises
• Take over-the-counter medications that are also anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen

While these lifestyle changes may help to treat your TMJ headaches, you’ll also want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Goel to discuss the benefits of a mouthguard by calling (408) 404-8257. A mouthguard may help treat the underlying causes of the headache.

When you wear a mouthguard at night, the pressure from grinding your teeth is evenly distributed throughout your mouth, creating less overall pressure in specific areas that are known to cause headaches.

What does a TMJ headache feel like?

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 most often more painful. The headache is triggered by jaw movement and can be relieved by relaxing the jaw muscles.

Can TMJ trigger migraines?

TMJ is a common cause of migraine headaches. Migraines are usually caused by a neurological disorder, however other conditions such as TMJ disorder have been linked to migraines as well. Migraines can cause sensitivity to light, sound, and smell.

A migraine may also temporarily alter your senses, such as causing you to feel nauseous. Physical activity can make your migraine worse. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with the pain associated with TMJ migraines because Dr. Goel is here to help.

During your consultation, Dr. Goel can examine your oral health and discuss your symptoms to determine if you would benefit from a nightguard to help prevent your TMJ headaches.

How can I get rid of a headache without pain relievers?

There are several known ways to get rid of a headache without pain relievers. These include:

• Relieve tension caused by a tight ponytail, hat, or headband
• Apply an ice pack or a heating pad to the affected area
• Dim lights with sunglasses, or adjust the brightness of your screen
• Avoid crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods
• Drink a little caffeine
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Eat ginger

You’ll want to try these remedies as soon as your headache starts, as this will improve your chances of relief before it gets worse. While these remedies provide a quick fix, it’s always best to prevent headaches in the first place, as well as the other harmful effects caused by TMJ disorder.

If you have TMD, a nightguard may help relieve your headaches or migraines. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Goel by calling (408) 404-8257. You don’t have to suffer anymore. Call our office, and we’ll help you on your road to a life that’s free of TMJ headaches.

TMD Treatment

In many cases, TMJ disorder (TMD) is the underlying cause of chronic headaches. If Dr. Goel determines you suffer from TMD, she can customize a mouthguard just for you. This appliance is worn overnight and prevents you from grinding or clenching your teeth overnight.

Rest assured, your mouthguard will fit comfortably and help to reduce your TMD symptoms. In addition to headaches, these devices can help to prevent facial pain, toothaches, and more.

Visit Dr. Goel For Headache Relief

If you suffer from headaches on a regular basis, it’s crucial to get a professional diagnosis so you can isolate 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 an effective solution.

Call one of our offices in San Jose or Santa Clara and schedule a consultation today.