treatment Archives

This is a guest post from Domer Laser Technology, edited for use here on Loreeebee.

Migraines are a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide characterized by throbbing headaches that can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. The symptoms of migraines can be severe and include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.

Migraine Treatments: Traditional and Alternative

There are several options available to treat migraines including medication, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy. However, these treatments do not always provide complete relief, and some can have side effects.

Medications such as triptans and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to relieve the symptoms of migraines. However, these medications have drawbacks. For example, triptans can cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and muscle weakness. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal problems and liver damage with long-term use. Additionally, medication is not always effective for all individuals and can lose effectiveness over time.

Acupuncture and massage therapy are alternative ways to treat migraines that can be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing, while massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissue to relieve tension and improve circulation. However, the effectiveness of these therapies can vary depending on the individual, and they may not work for everyone.

One promising solution to treat migraines is cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses low-intensity lasers to stimulate cellular function and promote healing in the body. Unlike traditional laser therapy, cold laser therapy uses low-intensity lasers that do not generate heat, making it a safe and painless treatment option for migraines.

How Cold Laser Therapy Works to Treat Migraines

Cold laser therapy is based on the principle of photo biomodulation, which involves using light energy to stimulate biological processes in the body. When low-intensity lasers are applied to the skin, they penetrate the tissue and interact with the cells, causing a biochemical reaction that promotes healing and reduces inflammation.

In the case of migraines, cold laser therapy is thought to work by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the brain. This, in turn, can help to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine, including headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Benefits of Laser Treatment to Treat Migraines

One of the benefits of cold laser therapy is that it is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve medication or surgery. The therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and wound healing.

Compared to other migraine treatments, cold laser therapy is relatively non-invasive and has few side effects. Unlike medication, which can have adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, and other organs, cold laser therapy is safe and does not involve the use of drugs. Additionally, cold laser therapy is more targeted than other therapies such as acupuncture or massage, which translates to delivering more effective results.

Research on Cold Laser Therapy

Several scientific studies have investigated the use of cold laser therapy for the treatment of migraines. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that cold laser therapy was effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraines. In this study, participants who received cold laser therapy experienced a significant reduction in the number of migraines they had per month, as well as a decrease in the severity of their migraines.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine and Surgery found that cold laser therapy was effective in reducing the duration of migraines. Participants in this study received cold laser therapy during the onset of a migraine, and the therapy was found to significantly reduce the duration of the migraine.

In a study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain, researchers found that cold laser therapy was effective in reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraines in 70% of patients.

Yet another study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, found that cold laser therapy was effective in reducing the intensity of migraines and improving patients’ quality of life.

Overall, the research suggests that cold laser therapy can be an effective treatment option for migraines. The therapy has been shown to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraines and it is a safe and non-invasive treatment that does not have any known adverse effects.

Other Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy

In addition to its effectiveness in treating migraines, cold laser therapy has several other benefits. The therapy can promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, making it an excellent option for a range of conditions. It is also a cost-effective treatment that does not require medication or surgery, making it a viable option for patients who prefer non-invasive treatments.

Conclusions on Treating Migraines

While there are several treatment options available for migraines, each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Cold laser therapy stands out as a safe and effective treatment option that can offer relief for those who suffer from migraines. However, consultation with a healthcare professional is always recommended to determine which treatment option is the best for individual needs.

Cold laser therapy is a promising treatment option for people who suffer from migraines. While more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness, studies have shown that it can be an effective and safe treatment for reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines. If you suffer from migraines, talk to your doctor about whether cold laser therapy may be an appropriate treatment option for you.

I was diagnosed with TMJ syndrome many years ago. (in my 20s) My wisdom teeth were removed to alleviate the migraines that were making my life miserable. More recently, I have had several mild but annoying and worrisome bouts of vertigo. Is it possible that my vertigo and TMJ symptoms are connected?

I like things neat and tidy, even my medical afflictions. As a result, I took to Google to find out if my TMJ syndrome and vertigo could be connected in my head. Literally.

Vertigo

Vertigo has been described as a:

Feeling of being off balance where you feel like the world is spinning around you
WebMD

Vertigo is typically caused by inner ear diseases and disorders, head injuries, and migraines or headaches.

In my case, the vertigo only strikes when I’m lying down. This makes sleeping pretty tricky. Exercising too, especially my favourite planks.

Tilting my head back while sitting or standing also triggers a vertigo episode. I learned this while star gazing with my three year old granddaughter recently. The good news is that I can make it go away (for now) by putting my head back to a neutral position.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome

TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, are located in front of each ear. They connect the jaw to the skull in a hinge-like fashion. When you open and close your jaw, as when talking, eating or yawning, your TMJs are activated.

TMJ syndrome comes into play when the joints themselves, or the muscles and tissue surrounding one or both of these joints, are painful upon use. The pain or discomfort can be mild or excruciating, fleeting or constant.

Symptoms are numerous, they can include:

localized pain at the joint
earaches or ear ringing
clicking or popping sounds
jaw pain/limited movement
toothaches
sleep apnea
neck or shoulder pain
tingling/numbness in fingers
headaches/migraines
swelling of the face
a crooked bite
hearing issues

Causes of TMJ syndrome include injuries to the head, jaw or face, eroded or damaged cartilage (arthritis or connective tissue diseases) surrounding the joint, a misaligned jaw, teeth grinding/clenching, chronic stress/tension and even genetics.

Are Vertigo and TMJ Connected?

Although inner ear issues are historically the most common cause of vertigo, jaw position and movement as well as bite alignment are now thought to be significant factors. A recent theory says:

the jaws and inner ear share a common ligament. Hence, the bones that are intricately responsible in hearing are also closely connected with the anatomy of the temporo-mandibular joint.
Because a TMJ disorder triggers stress and strain on structures associated with the jaw joints, this jointly-shared ligament can be pulled from its natural position. The trickle-down effect means the middle ear structure, which is responsible for maintaining equilibrium, becomes off-kilter.
Dr Ban R Barbat

Effective Treatments for Vertigo and TMJ

Effective treatments for TMJ syndrome to eliminate vertigo and other symptoms include:

orthodics/mouth pieces
restorative dental surgery
electric nerve stimulation
stress reduction

Conclusions

In retrospect, several weeks ago I heard and felt my jaw crack when I bit into an apple. I did not feel any pain with the crack, but it did startle me. When I told my husband about the crack and mentioned that it did not hurt, he said “not yet it doesn’t.”

My vertigo episodes started shortly afterward.

I never made the connection, but perhaps I should consult a TMJ specialist AKA a neuro-muscular dentist.