How do you treat your migraines and TMJ pain?

Question

ive tried many meds...nothing seems to work...my migraines are severe around the start of my period....any advice on how to control them????

Answer 1

Caffeine and advil help my migraines... most of the time. I cannot take any other meds due to other health issues... I take 600 to 800 mg of advil (ibuprophen) every 4-6 hours no matter what. It needs to be at a constant level in your system to be most effective. If I am able to catch the migraine before it gets full blown, I take 800mg advil and some diet cokes or coffee... then I can reduce to 400 for the next few doses. Ibuprophen helps with TMJ also, but when it is severe I take advil with a muscle relaxer. I also have a night mouth guard, because I clench my teeth... I hate it but it helps.

My doctor put me on a low dose of a beta blocker.... it seemed to keep the migraines away, but my blood pressure is on the low side as it is, and I was too light-headed. I get cluster headaches, which are migraines daily for weeks then I'm ok, so the side-effects weren't worth the benefit when I was in a migraine-free period.

I also take a decongestant because sometimes my migraines feel like they are affecting my sinuses. I also have an herbal pack (kinda like an herbal bean bag) that I keep in the freezer and put on my forehead or the base of my skull when I have a migraine.

Watch how you are eating if your headaches are hormonal. Avoid over-eating, too much salt or caffeine before your period. Food with sulfites, like red wine or things that are fermented like cheese or beer can trigger headaches. Take B vitamins and keep hydrated. My doctor also recommends cutting down on red meat, sugar, cheese, etc. (I tend to ignore those...)

Definately see your doctor. There are soooo many things they can tell you... there is no reason to suffer.

Find out what might be triggering your headaches.... food, emotions, allergies, hormone levels.... your doctor may ask you to keep a headache journal to help get to the bottom of your headaches.

Finally, migraines and TMJ might be your body's reaction to how you carry stress.... there are many ways to reduce your stress level, from walking or working out to yoga or meditation.... even medication.... I found help with reiki and acupuncture and massage.

Find out the cause of your physical conditions, because I have learned that it is far better to treat the cause than mask the symptoms.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I have migraines and they are often triggered by my period. Also have TMJ. I finally got a prescription from my allergy doctor. She gave me "FROVA" it is one of the triptans. I tried the Zomix but the side effects were to much for me. At any rate the Frova usually kicks the migraine in a couple hours.

Answer 3

Monavie juice has helped some people (info on request)
Feverfew helps reduce severity and frequency of migraines in a high percentage of cases.
Calcium-magnesium-zinc pills are often helpful with headaches and period problems. Take 1 tab 3 times a day with meals. Take a good woman's multiple vitamin too. A good anti-oxidant combo twice a day during bad days is also useful (one daily on good days). Flaxseed or Fish oil helps some, but I recommend a broad spectrum essential fatty acid supplement (Take as directed). Good luck!

Answer 4

Most pain clinics do include dentists who specialize in chronic pain. Since this is a dental/oral problem, your dentist should be able to refer you to one. If not, your family doctor can do so. I don't know if your problem is this drastic or not, but the tempero-mandibular joint can be replaced if necessary, just like a knee or a hip. I don't know where else this surgery is done, but I do know that it's done in Toronto, at the Wasser Pain Management Centre in Mt Sinai Hospital. There is some hope, and I fully understand that that's what you're looking for. I'm a chronic pain patient myself.

Answer 5

Some simpler things to do would be: using ice at the location/origin of the pain, ice decreases the blood vessels size, shrinking them, allowing pain to decrease. Also, knowing your "stressor" might help to guide your specific treatment. Elavil, Catapres, Inderal, Sansert,Imitrex are all good prescription drugs to ask your MD about. National Headache Group foundation : 1-800-843-2256 or American Council for H.A. Education (1-800-255-ACHE) <-- for support

Answer 6

I have the same problem. If you are on the Pill that's your major problem because it screws up your hormones. Try a diff. method of birth control. Don't take Tylonol! Take ibuprofen instead eg. advil. My doc gave me a prescription for Maxalt RPD (rizatripan wafers) that really work - no side effects!!! But they are very expensive. $15.CDN per pill. it sure beats two days in bed though.Talk to your doc about your diet etc. that can help too.

Answer 7

I also have TMJ. Unfortunately, after numerous chiropractic visits, physical therapy, two arthocentisis’, and one surgery, NOTHING has worked for me. All I can suggest is taking an anti-inflammatory for the joint discomfort and head pain.

Answer 8

My daughter suffered with them as well at the same time and meds never helped her either. I changed her diet to lower sodium, less meat and more fruits, vegitables, and lighter foods. and also she is now on a low dose birth control pill, which really helps, she has not had a migrane since, and the vomitting with the migranes also went away.

Answer 9

Acupuncture worked for me. Tried the meds but Imatrex has bad side effects.

Answer 10

cervical adjustments. Go see your local chiropractor!