Head, Neck and Back Aches

Headaches, neck aches, and backaches can be caused by many different health conditions, the most common of which involve stress and muscle tension. Although many people don't associate these aches and pains with their dental health, oftentimes there may be a direct correlation between the two. If you live in the Lansing area, Drs. DiStefano and Nguyen, can assess your symptoms and advise the appropriate corrective action.

Headaches and Migraines

A significant number of headaches are a direct result of prolonged facial muscle tension, which usually results in muscle aching and soreness. One possible cause of muscle tension is tooth grinding or clenching, and this can be an indication of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMD or TMJ.

TMD occurs when the movement and resting position of the jaw joint (connecting the lower jaw to the skull) are out of alignment. The misalignment prevents the jaw muscles from finding a full resting position and the tension eventually builds up to cause recurring headaches and migraines. Dr. DiStefano specializes in TMD treatment.

Neck Aches

Neck aches can also be caused by facial muscle tension. The muscles of the neck and face work very closely together. When the muscles of the face are tense, the muscles of the neck react similarly. This combined tension can result in chronic neck aches or severe pain.

Back Aches

The face and neck muscles, although seemingly unrelated to the back muscles, can affect the pressure and strain of the back, because they all work together in movement. When tension in the face and neck has become severe, it can be transferred to the back vertebrae and muscles, leading to back aches and soreness.

As you can see, your dental health is a critical component of your overall health and can affect many other parts of your body. When health conditions such as chronic headaches, migraines, and back or neck pain occur, it is wise to consider whether TMD may be the cause.

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Dr. DiStefano specializes in diagnosing and treating TMD symptoms. If you are located in the Lansing, Michigan area and think you may be suffering from TMJ/TMD, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. We can help you treat this painful disorder through neuromuscular dentistry and help you find your smile again!