Headaches

Headache is a multifactorial disorder. A headache can be the sign of a serious problem, or a chronic complaint that many people learn to cope with on a daily basis. New headache or a change in pattern or intensity of headaches should always be checked by a doctor. There are some headaches that a dentist can help with. Those headaches related to muscle pain from the head and neck area, headaches that you wake up with, and headaches related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may benefit from having a dentist assess them. Treatment may be as simple as some muscle stretching exercises, or it may extend to a plate worn at night. Sometimes it can be as simple as having someone work out things that you do at home or work which might contribute to the headache, or you might need a referral to a physical therapist to have muscular and postural issues addressed.

The main message is that assessment of headaches needs someone who is capable of looking at the overall picture, and requires a team approach to treat all of the factors involved.