Treatment for Headaches

Though you may have been living with headaches for years, you might night know that they can be triggered by Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD. The constant misalignment of the temporomandibular joints causes excess strain on the surrounding jaw, head, and neck muscles. In turn, this causes TMJ headaches. TMJ headaches are so severe and frequent they are often misdiagnosed as migraines.

Neuromuscular Dentistry and Headache Treatment

If you've been experiencing frequent migraine headaches, it's time to call Dr. Sutter's Salem, Oregon dental practice. Dr. Sutter's training in neuromuscular dentistry makes him uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat TMD related headaches with:

Muscle ultrasound (deep heating), relieving soreness and improving mobility
Massage to invigorate blood flow to the joints and energy to the muscles of the jaw
Low-level laser therapy to increase ATP (fuel for muscles) and blood flow to the muscles
Corrective dental treatments to align bite and balance biting surfaces
Custom oral appliances to reposition the jaw and stop nighttime bruxism (teeth grinding)
Good posture and relaxation techniques

Neuromuscular Dentistry and Whiplash Treatment

Accidents that result in whiplash can also cause TMD. The acceleration-deceleration forces that create neck and spine injuries can cause the temporomandibular joints to become misaligned as well. If you live in Salem, Portland, or the greater Oregon area, don't spend another day with a headache. Dr. Sutter can treat the underlying TMD cause and free you from constant pain.

Therapy for Muscles, Joints, & Ligaments

In addition to dental work, we use a variety of therapies to help reduce and eliminate pain for TMD, Migraine, and headache sufferers. Our staff will consistently monitor the patient’s progress and perform therapies, as needed, in order to further the healing process. Many patients notice immediate results from these therapy modalities.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is the first therapy modality. It is used to help break up scar tissue and adhesions and to bring blood flow to the area. The Ultrasound works on the deeper muscles and tissues by producing penetrating sound waves and heat. The heat causes an increase in blood flow vital to the healing process.

Massage

The second therapy modality includes a massage technique created to help increase oxygen rich blood flow to the affected areas of the face, head, and neck, helping patients release built up tension and promoting conditions conducive to healing. During the massage, our trained staff will search out and locate trigger points in the muscles. These tiny knots or pockets of lactic acid within the muscle tissue create pain wind-up loops and refer pain from the muscle to other areas of the body. For example, a trigger point in the upper shoulder may refer pain into the jaw or face.

Microcurrent

Microcurrent is the third therapy modality used to help break up trigger points located during the massage. The Alpha-Stim Microcurrent sends a low electrical current to stimulate production of ATP or energy into the trigger point, allowing the trigger point to relax and unwind. Once the muscle tissue of the trigger point relaxes, the pocket of lactic acid is released, reducing pain in that area as well as pain to the referring areas.

Low Level Laser

Low Level Laser is the fourth therapy modality used to decrease pain and inflammation, while accelerating healing times of muscle and joint tissue. The Low Level Laser can increase heal¬ing times by as much as 25-35%. The Low Level Laser uses a non-heat laser light to send a signal to the muscles and nerves to produce ATP or energy, allowing the muscles to relax, increasing blood flow, and decreasing pain. The laser also sends a signal through the nerve to the brain stem, resulting in a response to inhibit pain.

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