Lately, I have been struggling with daily headaches and migraines. Lots of pressure in my eyes, eyebrows, temples, jaw, general face area, neck, and shoulders.
I finished by braces last August (2015) and began wearing a nightly retainer. A few months ago, I began having TMJ/TMD related symptoms. The orthodontist then switched me to a hard-soft nighttime bite guard. This seemed to make my headaches worse. Two weeks ago I went back to the orthodontist and he had me try to wear the bite guard 24/7 for 2 weeks straight. Within the first week of this, I had daily migraines worse than before.
I went to the orthodontist again yesterday and he suggested I stop wearing it constantly and stop wearing it at night; also, to wear the regular retainer a few hours in the daytime to keep my teeth straight. His next suggestion was cold to hot compresses. Cold helps; hot does not. After that, he said if it did not improve, I should try acupuncture.
Obviously, everything costs money; our insurance is not the best. I cannot seek immediate help from professionals or an acupuncturist. I need a solution for my daily afternoon headaches. Should I be drinking more water? I have IBS, so constantly taking Advil or Tylenol is not good for that. I am getting the right amount of sleep every night. I drink kefir and lots of hot teas. My diet is healthy; I am the optimum weight for my height. It seems I'm doing everything right. I even do yoga every day! My stress level isn't high; I have nothing to stress about, though I am a more anxious person by nature.
I just need something to lessen or cure the pain.
Thanks!