What causes neck pain and dizziness to occur together. How are headaches and jaw pain related to these symptoms. What are the potential underlying conditions that can lead to this combination of symptoms. How can these symptoms be diagnosed and treated effectively.

The Connection Between Neck Pain and Dizziness

Neck pain and dizziness often occur together, creating a complex set of symptoms that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. For some individuals, dizziness may be the most prominent and concerning symptom, while others may find the neck pain more troublesome, with dizziness occurring only occasionally or during flare-ups.

Understanding the relationship between these symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Several medical conditions can cause neck pain and dizziness to manifest simultaneously, often involving compression of blood vessels that supply blood to the brain or issues related to spinal degeneration or instability in the neck.

Cervicogenic Dizziness: When the Neck Is the Source

Cervicogenic dizziness refers to dizziness that originates from a problem in the neck. While there is some debate in the medical community about its existence, several potential causes have been identified:

• Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI)
• Bow hunter’s syndrome
• Cervical myofascial pain syndrome (CMPS)

These conditions can lead to dizziness by affecting blood flow to the brain or causing pain and dysfunction in the neck muscles and tissues.

Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency: A Key Player in Neck Pain and Dizziness

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) is a condition that can significantly contribute to the combination of neck pain and dizziness. When one or more of the main arteries leading to the brain becomes compressed or unable to deliver sufficient blood, dizziness can occur.

How does VBI affect the body? The vertebral arteries, which run through the neck and supply blood to the brain, can become compressed or narrowed due to various factors, including:

• Arthritis in the neck
• Bone spurs
• Herniated discs
• Trauma or injury to the neck

When blood flow is restricted, it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. In some cases, neck pain may also be present due to the underlying condition causing the artery compression.

Bow Hunter’s Syndrome: A Rare but Significant Cause

Bow hunter’s syndrome is an uncommon condition that can cause temporary dizziness when the head is rotated to one side. This syndrome occurs when the vertebral artery becomes compressed during head rotation, typically between the first (C1) and second (C2) cervical vertebrae.

Why is it called Bow Hunter’s Syndrome? The name comes from the position archers assume when drawing a bow, which involves rotating the head and neck. This motion can trigger symptoms in affected individuals.

Potential causes of Bow Hunter’s Syndrome include:

• Misalignment between C1 and C2 vertebrae
• Congenital anomalies in the cervical spine
• Degenerative changes in the neck
• Soft tissue abnormalities

Diagnosis of Bow Hunter’s Syndrome often requires specialized imaging techniques, such as dynamic angiography, to visualize the compression of the vertebral artery during head rotation.

Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Complex Condition

Cervical myofascial pain syndrome (CMPS) is a rare condition characterized by painful trigger points in the neck’s muscles and fascia (connective tissues). While the exact cause of CMPS remains unknown, it is estimated that approximately 35% of people with this condition also experience dizziness.

How does CMPS affect the neck and balance? The painful trigger points in the neck muscles can lead to:

• Altered muscle function
• Restricted range of motion
• Changes in proprioception (the body’s sense of position and movement)
• Referred pain to other areas of the head and neck

These factors can contribute to both neck pain and dizziness. Treatment for CMPS often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, medication, and local injections into the trigger points.

The Role of Headaches in the Symptom Complex

Headaches frequently accompany neck pain and dizziness, adding another layer of complexity to the symptom picture. Various types of headaches can be associated with these symptoms, including:

• Cervicogenic headaches
• Tension-type headaches
• Migraine headaches

Cervicogenic headaches, in particular, are closely linked to neck pain and can sometimes cause dizziness. These headaches originate from structures in the neck and can be triggered by poor posture, neck injuries, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine.

How do cervicogenic headaches differ from other types? Unlike migraines or tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches:

• Often start in the neck and radiate to the head
• May be accompanied by neck stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Can be provoked by certain neck movements or positions
• May improve with treatments targeting the neck, such as physical therapy or nerve blocks

Jaw Pain: An Often Overlooked Component

Jaw pain, while not always present, can be an additional symptom in the complex of headache, neck pain, and dizziness. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a common cause of jaw pain and can be associated with headaches and neck pain.

How are TMJ disorders related to neck pain and dizziness? The connection lies in the intricate relationship between the jaw, neck, and head:

• The muscles of the jaw and neck work together in many daily activities
• Misalignment or dysfunction in the jaw can lead to compensatory changes in neck posture
• Nerve connections between the jaw and neck can cause referred pain
• TMJ disorders can sometimes cause or contribute to dizziness, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood

Treatment for TMJ disorders often involves a combination of approaches, including jaw exercises, oral appliances, and stress reduction techniques.

Differential Diagnosis: Other Causes of Dizziness

While neck-related issues can cause dizziness, it’s important to consider other potential causes, especially when symptoms persist or are accompanied by additional signs. Some alternative causes of dizziness include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere’s disease
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
• Anxiety and stress
• Medication side effects
• Low blood pressure
• Anemia
• Neurological conditions

How can one differentiate between neck-related dizziness and other causes? A thorough medical evaluation is crucial, which may include:

• A detailed medical history
• Physical examination, including neurological and vestibular tests
• Imaging studies of the neck and head
• Balance and gait assessments
• Blood tests to rule out systemic causes

Diagnostic Approaches for Neck Pain and Dizziness

Diagnosing the underlying cause of neck pain and dizziness can be challenging due to the complex interplay of symptoms and potential causes. A comprehensive diagnostic approach typically involves:

1. Detailed patient history: Understanding the onset, duration, and nature of symptoms
2. Physical examination: Assessing neck range of motion, muscle strength, and neurological function
3. Provocative tests: Specific maneuvers to reproduce symptoms or test for certain conditions
4. Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the cervical spine and surrounding structures
5. Specialized tests: Such as vestibular function tests or angiography, depending on the suspected cause

Why is a multidisciplinary approach often necessary? The complex nature of these symptoms often requires input from various specialists, including:

• Neurologists
• Otolaryngologists (ENT doctors)
• Orthopedic specialists
• Physical therapists
• Pain management specialists

This collaborative approach ensures a thorough evaluation and helps develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific condition.

Treatment Strategies for Neck Pain and Dizziness

The treatment of neck pain and dizziness depends on the underlying cause and may involve a combination of approaches. Some common treatment strategies include:

• Physical therapy: To improve neck strength, flexibility, and posture
• Medications: Such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs
• Manual therapy: Including massage, chiropractic care, or osteopathic manipulation
• Vestibular rehabilitation: Specialized exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness
• Lifestyle modifications: Addressing factors like poor posture or ergonomics
• Stress reduction techniques: Such as mindfulness meditation or biofeedback
• Interventional procedures: In some cases, injections or minimally invasive treatments may be recommended

How effective are these treatments? The effectiveness of treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. Many people experience significant improvement with a combination of conservative treatments, while others may require more advanced interventions.

It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan and monitor progress over time. In some cases, symptoms may resolve completely, while in others, management strategies may be needed to control symptoms long-term.

Prevention and Self-Care Strategies

While not all cases of neck pain and dizziness can be prevented, there are several strategies individuals can employ to reduce their risk or manage symptoms:

1. Maintain good posture: Both when sitting and standing
2. Use proper ergonomics: Especially when working at a desk or using electronic devices
3. Practice regular neck exercises: To improve strength and flexibility
4. Manage stress: Through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
5. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dizziness
6. Get adequate sleep: Poor sleep can exacerbate neck pain and affect balance
7. Avoid sudden neck movements: Particularly if you’re prone to dizziness
8. Use proper lifting techniques: To avoid straining the neck and back

What role does lifestyle play in managing these symptoms? A healthy lifestyle can significantly impact the management of neck pain and dizziness. Consider incorporating the following habits:

• Regular cardiovascular exercise to improve overall health and circulation
• A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, which can affect balance
• Quitting smoking, as it can impair blood flow and healing
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the neck and spine

By implementing these prevention and self-care strategies, many individuals can reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

What Causes Neck Pain and Dizziness?

Dizziness and neck pain may occur together in some cases. For some people, the dizziness may be most noticeable and concerning. For others, the neck pain may be more worrisome with dizziness only presenting occasionally, such as when the pain worsens during a flare-up.

See All About Neck Pain

This page lists some of the diagnoses that could be responsible for causing neck pain and dizziness to occur together.

See Home Remedies for Neck Pain and Dizziness

When neck pain and dizziness occur together, it may be related to the compression of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. Some associated medical conditions involve spinal degeneration or instability in the neck, which can put pressure on the vertebral artery.

Some potential causes of dizziness that stem from a problem in the neck, also called cervicogenic dizziness, including:

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• Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI). VBI can occur when one or more of the main arteries leading up to the brain becomes compressed or unable to deliver enough blood, which could lead to dizziness.
• Bow hunter’s syndrome. In rare cases, rotation of the head to one side may compress the vertebral artery, causing temporary dizziness in some people. The vertebral artery compression in bow hunter’s syndrome is most likely to occur between C1 and C2, such as from a misalignment between these vertebrae or other abnormalities at this spinal level.

  ¹
  Devaraja K. Approach to cervicogenic dizziness: a comprehensive review of its aetiopathology and management. Eur Arch Otorhinolarynogol. 2018; 275(1):2421-2433. doi: 10.1007/s00405-018-5088-z.

  See C1-C2 Treatment

• Cervical myofascial pain syndrome (CMPS). This rare condition involves painful trigger points in the neck’s muscles and fascia (connective tissues). The cause of CMPS is unknown, but it is estimated that about 35% of people with this condition also have some dizziness associated with it.

  ⁴
  Sahin N, Karatas O, Ozkaya M, Cakmak A, Berker E. Demographics features, clinical findings and functional status in a group of subjects with cervical myofascial pain syndrome. Agri. 2008; 20(3):14-9.
  This condition can often be treated with physical therapy, medication, or local injections into the trigger point.

Other causes of cervicogenic dizziness may be possible. Although, there is currently no diagnostic test available to prove that a problem in the neck can directly cause dizziness. Cervicogenic dizziness is a diagnosis of exclusion and the medical community is currently split as to whether it exists.

¹
Devaraja K. Approach to cervicogenic dizziness: a comprehensive review of its aetiopathology and management. Eur Arch Otorhinolarynogol. 2018; 275(1):2421-2433. doi: 10.1007/s00405-018-5088-z.
^,
2
Kristiansson E, Treleaven J. Sensorimotor function and dizziness in neck pain: implications of assessment and management. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2009; 39(5): 364–77 doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.2834.
^,
3
Magnusson M, Malmström, EM. The conundrum of cervicogenic dizziness. Handb Clin Neurol. 2016; 137:365-9. doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-63437-5.00026-1.

See Stretches and Exercises for Neck Pain and Dizziness

In This Article:

• Understanding Neck Pain and Dizziness

• What Causes Neck Pain and Dizziness?

Other Causes of Dizziness

In some cases, neck pain and dizziness may occur independently of each other or not originate in the neck.

• Stress and anxiety. Some less common symptoms of anxiety include pain or discomfort in the neck, and dizziness or light-headedness.
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This condition is the most common form of vertigo, which is a false sense of spinning. BPPV occurs when calcium carbonate crystals disrupt fluid within the inner ear, sending inaccurate positional signals to the brain. BPPV is typically not serious and goes away relatively quickly.
• Meniere’s disease. This inner ear disorder has no known cause and can include various symptoms that come and go, such as dizziness, distorted hearing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or a feeling of pressure inside the ear.

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Numerous other factors can cause dizziness, such as an illness or low blood pressure. Dizziness is also a common side effect of some medications.

Dr. Kenneth Nguyen is a physiatrist specializing in the management of spine pain and head trauma at the Providence Physiatry Clinic in Portland, OR. Dr. Nguyen has been a speaker at symposiums and conferences, and his work has been published in medical journals.

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Cervical Vertigo and Cervicogenic Dizziness

Cervical vertigo is also known as cervicogenic dizziness.

Maybe it’s because of that fender bender on the way to the post office. Maybe it’s from all the slouching over your smartphone. Or, maybe it’s your arthritis acting up. Whatever the reason for your cervical vertigo, your world is spinning, your neck hurts like crazy—and you want it to stop.

Cervical vertigo, also called cervicogenic dizziness, is a feeling of disorientation or unsteadiness caused by a neck injury or health condition that affects the neck. It’s almost always accompanied by neck pain. Your range of motion can be affected, too, and sometimes it comes along with a headache. Episodes of cervical vertigo go for hours, and the condition itself can last for years.

Diagnosing cervical vertigo can be difficult. For one thing, some of its symptoms overlap with those of other medical problems, from inner ear issues to stroke to traumatic brain injury (concussion). What’s more, it can be tough to tell if someone’s symptoms are occurring along with their neck problems, or if they’re a result of the neck problems themselves.

Fortunately, once you’re correctly diagnosed, therapies can typically be done right at home. “If it is truly cervical vertigo and dizziness—if there’s a cause coming from the neck—many of these can be treatable and most without surgery,” says Griffin Baum, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

So, what brings about cervical vertigo? How do healthcare providers figure out your diagnosis? And most importantly, what can you do about it?

It takes a lot of coordination to keep your body upright and moving. Balance involves your eyes, muscles, joints, and nervous system working together with a group of tiny organs in your inner ear called the vestibular system. When they’re all in sync, maintaining equilibrium is a piece of cake. When even one part is damaged or disrupted, staying vertical can be a challenge.

While the exact reason for cervical vertigo remains unknown, many experts believe it’s a communication problem between your vestibular system and a sense called proprioception. Proprioception is your awareness of your body’s position and motion. It’s how you know where your limbs and joints are, and how they move through space. Proprioception is informed by sensors in your skin, muscles, and joints, which send signals to your nervous system.

The theory is that cervical vertigo occurs when an injury or health condition messes with the receptors in your neck, throwing off your proprioception. This affects the signals sent to the brain and vestibular system, resulting in vertigo.

First thing’s first: There is no test to diagnose cervical vertigo. Instead, you have to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms and confirm your issue stems from your neck. This is called a diagnosis of exclusion.

Among the other conditions that have some symptoms similar to cervical vertigo and must be considered are:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a vestibular system problem that causes a spinning feeling when you move your head a certain way

• A brain tumor

• Fluid on the brain

• Stroke

• Multiple sclerosis

• Meniere’s disease

“The other thing that always needs to be a consideration would be a concussion, or a mild traumatic brain injury,” Dr. Baum says.

Fortunately (in a way), neck pain is a good clue that your problem may be cervical vertigo. “When patients have pain, they’re typically easier to diagnose because it sort of is a reference,” says Dr. Baum. “It’s a bit of a red flag that says, ‘Hey, this could be coming from the neck.’” When neck pain isn’t present, he adds, healthcare providers almost always believe the dizziness is coming from the ear or brain.

There are several possible causes of cervical vertigo. Sometimes, it stems from physical trauma, while other times, it’s a result of a health condition affecting the spine. Growing older is a potential risk factor, since wear and tear can affect neck strength and mobility and increase your chances of developing certain health issues. The most common causes include:

Whiplash

Sometimes, when your head and neck snap forward and backward at a high speed, it can result in whiplash. “It’s a generic catch-all for a neck spasm after a somewhat high-velocity type injury, most commonly after a motor vehicle accident,” says Dr. Baum.

Cervical Spondylosis

Also called arthritis of the neck, cervical spondylosis refers to the breakdown of your spine’s disks and joints over time. “Discs, which act like a shock absorber [between vertebrae], start to lose water content, and it begins a degenerative inflammatory cascade,” explains Dr. Baum. “During that process what can happen is that you develop bone spurs.” These can cause compression of the neck’s nerves, blood vessels or even the spinal cord, sometimes resulting in vertigo.

A Herniated Disc

When the jelly-like center of a spinal disc bulges out—or herniates—it may push towards the spinal cord. “This can do the same thing [as spondylosis], compressing the spinal cord or the spinal nerves,” says Dr. Baum.

Poor Posture

Over time, slouching when you sit or bending your neck forward to read can compress the vertebrae at the top of your spine.

Other factors that may lead to cervical vertigo include:

• Atherosclerosis, or a hardening of artery walls, which can restrict blood flow to areas that affect balance

• Neck surgery, if it damages the area or nearby blood vessels

• Bow Hunter’s Syndrome (rotational vertebral artery occlusion), an uncommon compression of a blood vessel in your neck called the vertebral artery

Fortunately, cervical vertigo can typically be managed without surgery. Start by visiting a healthcare provider, who may begin by treating underlying health problems and/or by prescribing medications to relieve symptoms. Muscle relaxers and over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) could help with pain, for example, while a drug like meclizine can help address dizziness.

Another treatment often recommended for cervical vertigo? Exercise, starting with cardio.

“Aerobic exercise is critical and very easy to do on your own,” Dr. Baum says. Activities like walking, running, biking or swimming can reduce inflammation and pain, though it’s important to break a sweat. “True aerobic exercise is getting your heart rate up into the aerobic zone for at least 15 to 30 minutes per session, for at least three to five times per week. That’s really where you start to see the greatest benefit,” he explains.

Strength and balance exercises can ease symptoms, too. Dr. Baum recommends yoga, Pilates and tai chi because they have mindfulness and breathing components as well as proven pain relief benefits. You have to stick with it, though. “It’s the type of thing where you don’t just do it once and you see an effect,” he explains. “You have to have sustained effort for several weeks to really see benefits.”

Physical therapy is also frequently recommended for building strength, bettering posture and improving neck mobility. Manual therapy, during which a therapist manipulates your muscles and joints with their hands, has been found in studies to be particularly helpful.

Massage may also be beneficial for cervical vertigo, and don’t count out acupuncture. “Acupuncture is something that has been shown to be absolutely beneficial for neck pain, as well as for the treatment of vertigo, regardless of whether it’s cervical in nature or more cranial,” says Dr. Baum.

Interested in seeing a chiropractor? Many people sing their praises, though Baum advises against having quick, forceful adjustments. Why? “There is a small but not zero percent chance of some very devastating consequences from those violent manipulations—namely a vertebral artery or carotid artery dissection, which leads to a stroke,” he explains. Your best bet: Speak with your primary healthcare provider first to check whether it’s the right treatment for you.

On a related note, it’s probably in your best interest to avoid high-impact sports like football, hockey or boxing during recovery. A jolt to the neck could have serious consequences.

If you have neck pain and dizziness, dial a health care provider.

“The first place to start is always with your primary care doctor,” says Baum. “The service they provide is exceptional, and they’re going to have a more general view.”

Do your research and ask questions, he advises. And above all, don’t let your symptoms go unaddressed—because with a correct diagnosis and therapy, you can feel significantly better, soon.

• A&A Practice. (2018.) “Cervicogenic Dizziness Successfully Treated With Upper Cervical Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Report.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5862008/
• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (n.d.) “Herniated Disk.” orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk
• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (n.d.) “Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck).”orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/cervical-spondylosis-arthritis-of-the-neck/
• Archives of Physiotherapy. (2017.) “How to diagnose cervicogenic dizziness”ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5759906/
• Cleveland Clinic. 2020. “Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Dizziness Problems.” health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-world-spinning-help-for-dizziness/
• Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. (2018.) “Symptoms in cervical vertigo.”onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.227
• Pain Physician. (2013.) “Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cervical Vertigo.”painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=MjM3NQ%3D%3D&journal=89
• Physiopedia. (n.d.) “Cervicogenic dizziness: screening.” physio-pedia.com/Cervicogenic_dizziness:_screening
• Physiopedia. (n.d.) “Proprioception.” physio-pedia.com/Proprioception
• Stroke. (2013.) “Rotational Vertebral Artery Occlusion.” ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/STROKEAHA.113.001219
• Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA). (n.d.) “Cervicogenic Dizziness.” vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/cervicogenic-dizziness/
• Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA). (n.d.) “The Human Balance System.” vestibular.org/article/what-is-vestibular/the-human-balance-system/the-human-balance-system-how-do-we-maintain-our-balance/

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Headache – check your bite! – Prizma – Medical Center for Aesthetic Cosmetology and Rehabilitation

Frequent headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the spine, ringing in the ears – it turns out that these and many other symptoms can be caused by malocclusion.

Currently, there are various ways to correct an overbite. is engaged in neuromuscular (functional) dentistry – a science that studies disorders in the functioning of muscles, joints, the dentoalveolar system as a whole, and offers many ways to solve a wide variety of problems in the oral cavity.

Close relationship

In the case of bite pathology, when the upper and lower jaws are in the wrong position relative to each other, the work of the temporomandibular joint is disrupted, which leads to overstrain of the facial muscles. Because of this, the rotation of the second cervical vertebra occurs – you can feel numbness of the fingers, headache, osteochondrosis appears.

We are accustomed to consider diseases of the spine as the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, but the root cause lies elsewhere.

Specialists of the clinic of aesthetic dentistry “PRISMA” claim that the disruption of the temporomandibular joint leads to headaches, as well as pain in the neck, tinnitus.

To date, more than 50 violations associated with malocclusion have been identified. Therefore, the main task of neuromuscular dentistry is to correct this situation – to restore the anatomically correct position of the upper and lower jaws relative to each other.

What happens to the muscles?

Methods of modern dentistry are often aimed at correcting occlusion with the help of ordinary tooth alignment, without taking into account the physiological state of the muscles, which is what neuromuscular dentistry does.

Muscles react most strongly to incorrect posture. If you hold your arm in an outstretched position for a long time, then it will reduce from pain in a few moments. The lower jaw feels the same way with an incorrect bite: the muscles are constantly tense to hold it. As a result, there is a headache, as well as pain in the temporomandibular joint.

Neuromuscular dentistry studies the functioning of the muscles of the masticatory apparatus, and also offers various ways to treat pathologies. With the help of electrical nerve stimulation, the muscles relax and the muscle memory is erased, because the facial muscles, with an incorrect bite, also “remember” that it is necessary to keep the jaw in a forced position. If you erase the memory and relax the muscles, their length is restored, which was set physiologically, due to which the lower jaw returns to its place, and the joint to its normal position.

Therefore, in order to achieve not only an aesthetic, but also a functionally correct result, neuromuscular processes must be taken into account in dental treatment as a whole. What to do if there is a crack in the tooth – read our blog.

Treat your health carefully and carefully, because you have only one!

causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment

Types of bruxism

There are three forms of bruxism:

• Noisy bruxism or grinding. Grinding of the teeth occurs when the chewing muscles and lower jaw move. The long course of the disease is dangerous pathological abrasion of teeth.

• Silent bruxism or clenching of teeth. A typical symptom is a tightly clenched jaw without extraneous sounds. To a lesser extent provokes a decrease in enamel. More often leads to the formation of cracks in the tooth enamel.

• mixed form. Combines the features of the two forms described above.

Depending on the time of occurrence of dental grinding, bruxism is divided into daytime, nighttime and combined (episodes are repeated regardless of the time of day).

Causes of bruxism

In infants, bruxism is regarded as a variant of the norm. In this way, the child tries to reduce the intensity of the discomfort associated with the eruption of milk teeth.

Help! The prevalence of bruxism in children under 7 years of age is 50-80%. The second peak of the disease occurs at the age of 13–18 years.

At any other age, the manifestation of teeth grinding is based on a combination of several causes:

• hereditary predisposition. The chance of bruxism in a child is 50% higher if first-line relatives suffered from this disease.

• dental factors. Episodes of involuntary teeth grinding provoke congenital and acquired disorders in the structure and functioning of the dental system. Due to the deformation and trauma of the teeth, malocclusion, developmental anomalies, the jaws do not completely close, and in order to ensure the coordinated operation of the chewing apparatus, the muscles come into tone, the muscle fibers involuntarily contract. Poor-quality dental treatment, incorrectly selected prostheses and braces, arthritis and arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint initiate bruxism.

• Diseases of the nervous system. Teeth grinding can occur as a result of birth or traumatic brain injury, damage to the central nervous system during fetal development or during childbirth (perinatal encephalopathy).

• Pathology of ENT organs. At risk are patients who have permanently disturbed nasal breathing due to adenoids, deviated nasal septum, chronic rhinitis.

• Disorders of the psyche and behavior. Stress, neurosis, anxiety and constant experiences provoke an involuntary spasm of the masticatory muscles and gnashing of teeth. Bruxism occurs in people who constantly experience psycho-emotional overstrain, have a negative emotional mood.

• neurological and movement disorders. A favorable condition for the manifestation of bruxism is considered deviations in the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. The course of bruxism is often accompanied by sleep disturbance: nightmares, snoring, short-term respiratory arrest (apnea), enuresis. Tonic spasm of masticatory muscles (trismus) and bruxism occur due to damage to the motor neurons of the trigeminal nerve. Teeth grinding is one of the symptoms of neurological complications associated with the use of neuroleptic drugs (antipsychotics).

Other causes of bruxism are not widely recognized, but they do exist. These include: reflux esophagitis (reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus), helminthic invasions, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In the occurrence of bruxism, bad habits are of some importance: smoking, alcohol addiction, coffee and chewing gum abuse, and malnutrition.

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Symptoms of bruxism

Episodes of bruxism are accompanied by grinding and tapping of teeth. The attack lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. During the night can be repeated many times. Usually a similar symptom is observed by parents or spouses, since a person does not control his condition during sleep. After repeated nocturnal episodes of bruxism, the next morning the patient feels facial muscle and jaw pain, dizziness, headache, lack of sleep.

Daytime bruxism is characterized by uncontrollable clenching of the teeth. Usually, a spasm of the masticatory muscles provokes some kind of stressful situation or event that requires prolonged concentration: playing on a computer, doing homework.

Help! If teeth grinding occurs during sleep, then this is bruxism. If the episodes recur during the daytime, this condition is regarded as bruxiomania.

With a combination of daytime and nighttime bruxism, the patient has concomitant symptoms:

• instability in behavior

• headache and dizziness,

• problems with sleep and falling asleep,

• pain and ringing in the ears

• daytime sleepiness,

• biting a pencil and pen,

• frequent use of chewing gum,

• discomfort when closing teeth,

• waking up exhausted.

With a long course of bruxism, a pathological decrease in the enamel of individual or all teeth develops, chips and cracks in the enamel, fillings and dentures are formed, the sensitivity of the teeth to cold, hot, salty, sweet is exacerbated.

Injury to the periodontal tissues provokes inflammation of the periodontium (tissues surrounding the tooth), followed by mobility and premature loss of the tooth. Gingivitis, stomatitis, oral fibroma are the consequences of constant traumatization of the oral mucosa.

Complications of bruxism

Long-term undesirable consequences include dysfunction of the TMJ. This is a violation of the temporomandibular joint. The condition is accompanied by pain in the temples, neck, head, inability to open the mouth wide, clicks in the joint when yawning and chewing. The disease without treatment is dangerous by the development of arthrosis and immobilization of the temporomandibular joint.

Chronic nocturnal bruxism is complicated by pain in the muscles of the back and neck, migraine, dizziness. Almost 80% of patients experience toothache, 65% have injuries to the tongue, lips and inner surface of the cheeks.

Bruxism diagnosis

Bruxism is confirmed by the dentist on the basis of dental examination data, complaints of the patient or his relatives about the grinding of teeth. When examining the oral cavity, the doctor detects characteristic changes: a wedge-shaped defect, malocclusion, injury to the tongue and mucous membranes of the cheeks, lips, violation of the integrity of the enamel or dental structures. On palpation, there is tension in the muscles of the face, pain in the area of ​​the temporomandibular joint.

For an objective assessment of bruxism, brux checkers are used. These are special caps made on the basis of a cast and model of the patient’s jaw in order to determine unwanted occlusal contacts of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. After wearing the mouth guard at night, it is transferred to the laboratory for analysis and determination of which teeth are under increased stress.

Polysomnography is used to diagnose bruxism. Before going to bed, special sensors are applied to the patient’s body, which record any movements, brain activity, mobility of the temporomandibular joint. In patients with bruxism, the pathological activity of the masticatory muscles is determined.

To identify the true cause of teeth grinding, specialists of a different profile are often involved – a neurologist, otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist, psychologist.

Treatment of bruxism

Usually in young children, bruxism does not require special treatment, as it resolves on its own by the age of 7 years. To get rid of a pathological habit for adults, they use an integrated approach with the appointment of conservative therapy, dental treatment, psycho- and physiotherapy.

General recommendations for all groups of patients are fortified nutrition, moderate physical activity, alternating work and rest. It is also important to limit coffee and caffeinated drinks, alcohol, tobacco, and, if possible, eliminate stress and anxiety.

Conservative therapy

With bruxism aggravated by neurological disorders, anticonvulsant and nootropic drugs, neurovitamins of group B, and brain metabolites are prescribed. The course of treatment is long, from 2 to 4 months under the supervision of a neurologist.

To reduce the activity of the muscles of the masticatory muscles, calcium and magnesium preparations are used, to normalize the quality of sleep and eliminate anxiety, light sedatives and hypnotics are used. Treatment is supplemented with multivitamin complexes to reduce recovery time, strengthen immunity.

Dental treatment

At the first stage, caries and periodontal inflammation, if any, are treated. Further, according to an individual cast, a protective cap is made of soft plastic and rubber. A cap is put on the upper teeth to prevent their friction against the lower teeth, to prevent the destruction of the enamel.

After eliminating the causes and manifestations of bruxism, dentists are involved in the restoration of wedge-shaped defects, the installation of fillings, the manufacture of crowns, prostheses or veneers.

Psychotherapy

Psychological methods of influence come to the fore if the cause of bruxism is unfavorable psychological factors and events. Psychotherapy helps to identify and understand conflicts, change attitudes towards a stress factor, develop skills to cope with the difficulties of life more effectively and environmentally for the body. To do this, use the methods of relaxation and self-control, training, art therapy, dance and movement therapy.

Physiotherapy

To enhance the functional activity of the muscles of the jaw, neck and collar zone, sessions of electrical stimulation of the muscles of the masticatory muscles are prescribed (exposure to direct and alternating current pulses). In some cases, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture, magnetotherapy, warm compresses on the jaw area show a good effect.

Prevention of bruxism

Prevention of bruxism is not specific, and involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting rid of bad habits, learning self-control and forming the right life position.

Timely treatment of diseases of the nervous system minimizes the risk of bruxism. It is necessary to monitor your psycho-emotional state or the child, and, if necessary, seek psychological help.

An important link in the prevention of bruxism is a regular preventive examination 1-2 times a year at the dentist.