What is causing my TMD, head and neck pain, or headaches?
In order to answer what is causing your pain, we would need to thoroughly discuss your conditions and perform a comprehensive evaluation. Every case is different, although a large percentage of head and neck pains are muscle related. Muscle dysfunction usually occurs from what we call abuse and overuse. This means using muscles in ways they are not meant to be used and using them for extended periods. Over time, what often occurs is a shortening of the muscle, formation of taut bands within the muscle and trigger point formation. Shortening of the muscle causes strain on the origin and insertion points which may cause dysfunction of joints and result in pain. It has been well documented that trigger points within muscles have predictable pain referral patterns. For example, it is possible that you could have a taut band and a trigger point within your trapezius muscle. This could cause pain in the neck and head that feels like a headache. Abuse and overuse of muscles of mastication (op
