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The first thing most people do for a headache is go to the medicine cabinet to take an aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. However, all medications produce side effects, and these medications are no exception. Aspirin side effects include bleeding in the brain, kidney failure, and increased risk of stroke. Acetaminophen has been shown to be very bad for the liver, and ibuprofen is an NSAID, in the same class of medications as Vioxx, which was pulled from the market because of it increased risks for heart attack and stroke. As a result, it is wise to seek non-drug relief from chronic headaches.

Instead, consider neuromuscular dentistry. The trigeminal nerve, or dental nerve, accounts for half of all input into the central nervous system, and it controls the front 2/3 of the meninges (membranes) that control blood flow to the brain. Because of this role in controlling blood flow, the trigeminal nerve can be blamed for many chronic headaches.

Neuromuscular dentistry, by relieving pressure and dysfunction of the jaw, has, among other effects, the ability to improve the function of the trigeminal nerve.

To learn more about how neuromuscular dentistry can relieve your suffering from chronic headaches, contact Dr. Ira Shapira at his Gurnee, Illinois office.