Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions are believed to be involved in migraines.
Migraines are common, sometimes disabling. And for many patients, they have even become inevitable. Treatments are often based on drugs that treat the symptoms more than the real causes, which are still poorly understood.
To try to act on the origin of migraines, osteopaths manipulate, among other things, the jaw. A study by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (Brazil) could prove them right.
In an article published in the journal Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Brazilian researchers have shown that patients with chronic migraines also suffer from problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint located in front of the ear canal, and which connects the jaw with the rest of the skull.
Three times more jaw problems
“Our study suggests that chronic migraine patients, who therefore suffer attacks for more than 15 days per month, are three times more likely to report severe symptoms in TMJ than episodic migraine sufferers”, explains Lidiane Florencio, l one of the study’s authors.
To obtain these results, the researchers recruited 21 people with chronic migraines, 32 with episodic forms and 32 people without a history of migraine. They noted in particular that signs of TMJ disorders were observed in 54% of non-migraine sufferers, against 80% in episodics and 100% in chronic patients.
Who from the egg or the chicken
But is it the migraine that causes – or exacerbates – jaw problems, or the reverse? Researchers leave the door open to both explanations.
“Repetitive migraine attacks can increase sensitivity to pain,” says Lidiane Florencio. Our hypothesis is that migraine acts as a factor that predisposes patients to TMJ disorders. A hypothesis reinforced by the large number of people suffering from these, but not from migraines.
They believe, on the other hand, TMJ dysfunctions can worsen the frequency and severity of symptoms. “Migraine is a neurological disease with multiple causes, while TMJ disorders, such as neck pain and other musculoskeletal disorders, are among the factors that intensify the sensitivity of migraine sufferers,” adds the researcher.
Review clinical management
The Brazilian team therefore underlines the importance of extending the clinical examination of people suffering from migraines, in particular at the TMJ level. “This information alone should be enough to change the way clinicians look at patients with migraine headaches,” explains Debora Grossi, lead author of the study. If they have more ATM problems, healthcare professionals should assess their condition more specifically on these signs and symptoms ”.
Migraine affects about 15% of the general population, the researchers say. And among them, 2.5% suffer from it chronically.
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