Headaches and Migraines

Houston, Texas

Headaches affect a large number of people, often making it difficult to carry out daily activities. Unfortunately, not all headaches have the same cause. Otherwise, they would be easily treatable. In reality, there are many different types of headaches, and many of the causes are difficult to diagnose, making treatment a challenge.

Most headaches essentially fall into two major classifications:

• Primary headaches – These occur when the headache itself is the primary cause of your pain. Tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches are the most common examples.
• Secondary headaches – These are much more common. Secondary headaches are actually symptoms of a larger illness or injury. They are often chronic and can result in debilitating pain. It is important to seek medical attention in order to make sure that your headaches are not the result of a serious or life threatening condition.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They are commonly caused by grinding teeth and clenching jaw muscles, and they result in mild to moderate pain which often feels like a tight band is around your head. Symptoms of tension headaches include:

• Dull, aching head pain
• The sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head
• Tenderness and soreness in your neck and shoulder muscles
• Loss of appetite (on occasion)

The duration of tension headaches range anywhere from 30 minutes to an entire week. They may occur sporadically or on a regular basis. When you experience tension headaches 15 or more days a month for a minimum of three months, they are considered chronic. When they occur less frequently, they are considered episodic. Episodic headaches are generally an indication that you are suffering from stress or fatigue, while chronic tension headaches may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

Tension headaches are typically treated by neuromuscular dentistry, which focuses on the proper alignment of your jaw and muscles. Houston TMJ Dentist, Dr. Ronald Konig will evaluate your jaw to make sure it is in the proper position. If it is misaligned, he will recommend the appropriate treatment to help move your jaw into its proper resting position in order to alleviate the pain causing your tension headaches.

Migraine Headaches

Millions of Americans suffer from migraine headaches every year. These headaches are caused by changes in the size of the arteries that go directly into the brain. As a result, serotonin levels fluctuate, causing severe pain. Migraines can occur across your entire head or be isolated in one particular region. Stress, allergies, diet, and intense stimuli may trigger the onset of a headache.

As with tension headaches, many migraines can be treated using the principles of neuromuscular dentistry. It is always a good idea to seek medical attention to rule out these causes. Many of our patients have seen numerous doctors with no relief.

If you have been suffering from migraines, ask Dr. Konig if neuromuscular remedies may be able to help alleviate your condition. 

Cluster Headaches

These are often the most severe type of headache that you can experience. The onset of a cluster headache generally occurs without much warning, and they are often debilitating enough to prevent you from carrying out routine activities. Cluster headaches generally occur in cycles. You may experience as many as four headaches in a cycle, and each cycle can last several days. The causes of cluster headaches are not entirely known.

Treatment Options

Often, headaches are treatable temporarily without medical attention. Over-the-counter pain medications will usually alleviate symptoms, as will relaxation exercises or meditation. Acupuncture has become an increasingly popular remedy in recent years. However, if these options do not work, you may want to consult a neuromuscular dentist. Neuromuscular dentistry works to eliminate many of the underlying causes of your headaches, as opposed to temporarily eliminating the pain, in order to provide you with a more long-lasting solution to your condition.

Please contact our Houston, Texas TMJ dentist today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Konig.  Serving the areas of Houston, Galveston, Sugar Land, and Katy, Texas.