The study was based on the survey responses of about 13,500 Danish twins. Twin studies are used to limit the influence of genetic factors because identical twins share the same genetic material, allowing a greater emphasis on lifestyle and environmental factors in research findings. None of the subjects had migraines in 1994 when they were given the first survey. Then, in 2002, they were given the same survey. Some of them had developed migraine in the 8-year interval, and researchers looked at the factors that contributed to the risk of developing the headaches. They found that the highest risk for developing migraines was the presence of lower back pain at the beginning of the study, which increased risk by 30%.In addition, having a heavy physical workload or heavy physical recreational activity increased migraine risk (by 10% and 20%, respectively). The study only looks at correlations, and the authors don’t attribute a causal explanation, but we might have one.
TMJ, Core Balance, and Migraines
TMJ could be the link between lower back pain and migraines. Your jaw plays a crucial role in helping to stabilize your core, providing strength and balance to the head-neck system and helping to anchor the muscles of the upper body. When your jaw is out of balance, it makes it harder for your body to function in activities that demand heavy physical activity. Once imbalance starts in the jaw, it can spread to the neck and spine because the muscles that stabilize the jaw partner with those that stabilize the neck. People with TMJ might be more likely to suffer back pain, which is mostly associated with muscle strain, because their bodies are operating inefficiently and are unstable, more likely to slip into a position that causes a strain. And TMJ contributes to migraines, either by overstimulating the trigeminal nerve or by causing chronic tension headaches that are misdiagnosed as migraines. If you find you are troubled by many different complaints such as back pain, headaches, ear problems, and other TMJ symptoms, we may be able to help with TMJ treatment in Philadelphia. Please call (610) 272-0828 for an appointment with a TMJ dentist at Dental Excellence of Blue Bell.
