Headache sufferers know how much a headache can ruin their day. Whether you wake up with one, develop one throughout the day, or have one at the end of the night, a headache is a real bummer. For some people, headaches are more than just a painful annoyance. They are a debilitating medical condition that interrupts the ability to work, play, and perform even the easiest activities of daily living. Even relaxing activities like hanging out by the Hudson River isn’t doable when you have chronic headaches.

We have all heard of tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, but there are many other types of painful headaches that don’t get quite as much attention.

Here, you’ll read about headaches related to:

  • Tension
  • Vision
  • Blood pressure
  • Sinuses
  • Dehydration

Headaches are one of the top three most common medical conditions reported to physicians and dentists. Nearly 12% of the United States population indicates they have recurrent chronic headaches. Some of those headaches may last an hour or two, while others could last for days. Some people have reported non-stop headache pain for weeks.

It’s not easy for medical professionals to determine what, exactly, is causing a headache. There could be numerous contributing factors to the headache. While it’s challenging to determine the cause of a headache, it can be equally as challenging to determine the right treatment for a headache.

Types of Headaches

Every different type of headache and its symptoms indicate something about your health. Headaches can be the condition, itself, or a symptom of another condition. If you suffer from headaches in Westchester, New York, you may need to see a neuromuscular dentist with experience diagnosing and treating TMJ headaches. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD) is a common cause of headaches that may be classified as a cluster, tension, or migraine.

Let’s take a look at some different types of headaches:

  • Cluster: These headaches are extremely painful and are named due to their tendency to occur in a grouped cluster that might be hours, days, weeks, or months apart. Cluster headaches only last for a few hours to days at a time, but they will most certainly return at some point.
  • Migraine: These headaches are painful and are known for lasting a long time. These are the headaches that make you want to lie down in a dark, quiet room for days on end. Migraine headaches often produce nausea and an aura before they come on. An aura is some type of sensory disturbance that indicates a migraine is coming. An aura may be a flash of light or other vision changes or a tingling sensation in your hands or face. Not everyone who gets a migraine will experience an aura prior to the start of the headache.
  • Vision: These headaches result from eyestrain or too much light. Reducing the light in the room and resting your eyes will often relieve vision headaches. Getting glasses or updating your eyeglass prescription will often solve the problem of vision headaches.
  • Tension: These headaches are quite common and can result from a number of different things including poor posture, computer work, and muscle strain. Tension headaches can be relieved with a number of conservative treatments. If your tension headaches are related to a problem with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, your Westchester, TMJ dentist can treat your tension headaches by treating your TMJ disorder.
  • Dehydration: Just like the name indicates, these headaches are caused by a lack of hydration. Drinking more water will almost always stop this type of headache. Frequent urination and vomiting will cause dehydration and may lead to dehydration headaches.
  • Sinus: These headaches will usually be accompanied by nasal congestion and pain throughout the head and sinuses. If your sinuses are infected, you may run a fever and have other symptoms that will indicate it is not just a sinus headache but a sinus infection.
  • Blood pressure: Headaches may be related to both high and low blood pressure. Once your blood pressure returns to a normal range, the headaches will likely stop.

While there are a few other types of headaches, these are the most common.

Is My Headache Related to TMJ Disorder?

If you frequently experience headaches and are wondering if they might be related to TMJ disorder, there are some common signs to look out for. TMJ-related headaches often manifest as a dull, persistent pain around the temples or in the jaw area. These headaches may be accompanied by jaw pain or discomfort, especially when chewing or talking. Additionally, you might notice clicking or popping sounds in your jaw joint when you open or close your mouth. If your headaches are consistently worse in the morning or after clenching your teeth, it could be an indication of TMJ involvement. If you suspect TMJ disorder is causing your headaches, it’s essential to consult with our TMJ dentist, Dr. Wanda Mejia, for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Dr. Wanda Mejia Can Treat Your Headaches

Dr. Wanda Mejia is a distinguished Westchester dentist renowned for her expertise in diagnosing and treating TMJ-related headaches. With a wealth of experience spanning over three decades, she has successfully helped numerous patients find relief from persistent headaches associated with TMJ disorders. Her keen diagnostic skills allow her to identify the underlying causes of headaches, often linked to jaw joint issues and clenching habits. Utilizing a personalized and comprehensive approach, Dr. Mejia applies innovative techniques to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for her patients, earning their trust and admiration in the field of TMJ treatment.

Get TMJ Headache Treatment in Westchester, New York

If you suffer from headaches but don’t know the cause, it may be time to contact Westchester, New York, TMJ dentist, Dr. Wanda Mejia, at (914) 594-6854. You may also fill out an online contact form to submit a question or request a new patient examination. Headaches related to TMJ/TMD can be relieved with a number of conservative treatments. Dr. Mejia will perform a thorough evaluation and discuss a treatment plan designed specifically for you.