This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
On September 10, 2019, a patient visited a physical therapist complaining of severe migraines accompanied by vomiting and nausea early in the morning, as well as frequent episodes of day-long migraines for the last 10 years.
The symptoms worsened when chewing gum and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) was associated with the pain. The physical therapist suspected 'Text Neck' causing cervicogenic headache (neck-headaches) and guided the patient through a treatment plan that included a referral to a neurologist if symptoms persisted.
Research suggests a strong correlation between posture dysfunction of the neck (cervical spine) and jaw joint (TMJ) due to muscle coupling force mechanism around the neck and jaw. A dysfunctional cervical spine resulting from sustained poor posture can cause jaw joint pain.
When the head is excessively bent forward, the digastrics muscle exerts a backward force on the jaw bone, leading to jaw pain, jaw jerking on closing the mouth, swelling, increased muscle tension around the jaw muscles, and other places in the skull.
Treatment of migraines associated with this condition involves assessment by an experienced and trained physical therapist, who may include intra-oral myofascial release, facial and neck, shoulder, and back muscle release, and a therapeutic exercise rehabilitation program.
It is essential to consult a doctor, physical therapist, or dentist to determine the real cause of migraines.
