TMJ Migraines and Headaches
For Patients
Are You Experiencing Unexplained Headaches or TMJ Migraines?
If you are seeking solutions for persistent headaches or migraines, you’re not alone. Driven by a commitment to unravel the complex relationship between craniofacial issues and headaches, our experienced team, led by Dr. Richard Goodfellow, specializes in providing targeted care to address the root causes of your discomfort.
Causes of TMJ Headaches
Muscles, when in extreme tension from hyperactivity as a defense to sleep breathing and/or structural issues, can cause pain. Headaches are usually from muscle pain and are often accompanied by neck, back and shoulder pain. Here are some causes of TMJ headaches:
- Muscle Tension and Strain: Excessive tension or strain in the muscles that control jaw movement can lead to headaches. This tension may be a result of clenching or grinding the teeth, especially during sleep.
- Joint Misalignment: If the temporomandibular joint is not properly aligned, it can lead to stress on the surrounding muscles and tissues, contributing to headaches.
- Arthritis: Arthritic conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint can lead to inflammation, pain, and headaches.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching the teeth, especially during sleep, can contribute to muscle tension and strain in the jaw, leading to headaches.
- Jaw Dislocation: In some cases, the jaw may become temporarily displaced, causing pain and headaches.
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can contribute to jaw clenching and muscle tension, exacerbating TMJ-related headaches.
- Trauma or Injury: Injury to the jaw or face, such as a blow or impact, can result in TMJ dysfunction and associated headaches.
- Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite): An improper bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not come together correctly, can contribute to TMJ issues and headaches.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional like Dr. Goodfellow at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area for a thorough evaluation if you are experiencing persistent headaches related to TMJ issues. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, stress management, dental appliances, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
How Can We Help?
At our centre, we recognize that headaches and migraines can be debilitating, impacting your daily life. Dr. Goodfellow and our experienced professionals employ advanced diagnostic techniques to identify the specific factors contributing to your symptoms. From there, we craft personalized treatment plans, integrating innovative therapies to alleviate pain and improve your overall well-being.
Discover relief and regain control over your life by exploring our comprehensive approach to headaches and migraines at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a headache-free future.
Learn more about what our patients have to say
about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area
Jill Krstajic2024-10-31 It is not an understatement to say that Dr Goodfellow and his staff have greatly improved the quality of my life! My TMJ pain was unbearable and as a Dental Hygienist I was actually skeptical that the treatment would work, it did and I am grateful! I would gladly recommend Dr Goodfellow for anyone suffering TMJ and Sleep Issues. Lanndis De Lallo2024-09-30 This device changed my life. I have had TMJ for as long as I can remember with a long history of orthodontic work from childhood. For the first time as an adult, I can control my jaw pain, clicking, locking and tension headaches with the night time appliance, which I wear every night - I can feel the difference even going one night without it. The daytime appliance also makes a big difference and now I can wear it periodically. Dr. Goodfellow, Cathie, Tina and the entire team are delightful, helpful and I can't thank them enough for helping me implement this life changing, non-surgical solution to my TMJ! Steve McDonald2024-09-19 Before being treated by Dr. Goodfellow I had severe jaw pain so bad I sometimes could hardly eat. That pain is now virtually gone. I am so grateful and I highly recommend Dr. Goodfellow! Julia Leclerc2024-07-23 I suffered from severe jaw pain and eventually jaw locking. Dr. Goodfellow not only was able to diagnose the issue, he was able to completely redirect my jaw and sleeping patterns with the mouth guard that I now wear to sleep every night. I don’t even get headaches anymore! The difference has been incredible and I am forever grateful. Highly recommend Dr. Goodfellow and his staff. Sandy Hale2024-07-09 I feel very positive about the treatment I received from Dr. Goodfellow and his team over a six month period. My TMJ disorder symptoms have been resolved to the point where I am almost pain free every day. Dr. Goodfellow helped me to understand both the causes of my jaw issues and how the treatments would work towards healing. His staff are friendly, accommodating and extremely knowledgeable and helped to allay any fears I had about treatments. I highly recommend TMJ & Sleep Therapy to any and all persons suffering from TMJ disorders. Anthony Hajsan2024-07-04 Dr. Goodfellow is a good fellow (I know, so original)! This is the only place that has helped with my TMJ. oren dishy2024-04-02 I've had a click in my jaw for over 30 years and over the past year it was constant pain and difficulty chewing. Dr. Goodfellow and his staff provided me with a non-invasive appliance one for the day and one for night and within 6 months I was pain and click free. It's as if I have brand new jaw with no issues whatsoever. Without a doubt, the best medical treatment I've ever received. I would give six stars if it was available. Paula Carmona-Murphy2024-01-22 After years of dealing with TMJ pain (and trying different types of appliances) I saw Dr. Goodfellow. I am thrilled with the results. Dr. Goodfellow and his staff are amazing! Shicheng Wu2024-01-11 Solved on my jaw pain and overbite issues in an efficient way.