So last week we spoke about headaches and migraines stemming from a hypersensitive brainstem. But its important to look at why it becomes sensitive!
We see that the brainstem becomes irritated by receiving toxic input from the upper cervical spine (C0-C3). But it also receives information from the trigeminal nerve, so can toxic input come from the trigeminal nerve as well?
Of course! Irritation within the trigeminal nerve can result in hypersensitivity in the brainstem and therefore causing headaches or migraines.
In these images, you can see that the trigeminal nerve is split into 3 portions (sub-nerves) – the ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve and the mandibular nerve.
If we look at all of the 4 major muscles of the jaw, they are controlled by the mandibular nerve. Thus if there is spasm, irritation and/or hyperactivity in any of the 4 muscles, it can result in irritation of the mandibular nerve which in turn irritates the TCN.
This is where physiotherapy has a very important role – we assess the joint and function of the jaw as well as the muscles. With a thorough assessment we can determine what is the underlying cause and treat it. This then reduces the toxic information being sent to the brainstem and driving those headaches and migraines more and more!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
