Headaches - The Background
I have had headaches for most of my adult life. Sometimes they are manageable and have little impact on my daily functioning but sometimes they completely stop me from being able to do much of anything. As a mom of three young kids, a wife, and a working woman, the headaches are a huge nuisance that keep me from completing the things I want to accomplish. Not to mention, the pain is horrible and affects my entire mood!
When I’ve been asked to name the source or location of my headaches, I have often pointed to a whole lot of places: my forehead, my eye sockets, my cheeks, the front of my neck, the back of my neck, the base of my skull, my shoulders, and even my back. I’ve had a hard time explaining how these “headaches” aren’t just my head aching but also recognizing that “headache” still feels like the most accurate explanation.
Over the years, I’ve tried OTC and prescription medications to no avail. Therapies such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage have been my saving graces; however, they provide(d) only temporary relief until the next one comes along. Heat and ice also prove to be somewhat helpful but not curative.
More Background - Sleep & Sinus & Tooth Issues
I’ve always been a bad sleeper. For as long as I can remember, if sleeping near someone, I’d make sure I was facing in the opposite direction and/or try to prop my head up to avoid snoring. It doesn’t stop there. I have also been known to talk and walk in my sleep (just ask my college roommates or my husband - they’ve got plenty of stories). As a result of my restless nights, I am often extremely tired in the mornings. For years, I assumed I was tired because I’ve been taking care of children who don’t sleep super well (which is still factual), but I have recently realized there’s more to my exhaustion beyond having young children. Not waking up feeling rested and needing to nap every day is NOT normal.
The list doesn’t end there. I’ve also had a lifetime of sinus issues. Frequent sinus infections, lots of runny and stuffy noses, sinus pressure, and pain. I’m a regular user of sinus rinses which help but again, have never solved my issues.
And finally, cavities! I am one of those people (and I know there are others because I’ve talked to them) who are super fearful of every dental appointment because of frequent cavities. I brush regularly, I floss regularly, but it never feels like it’s evident when I’m at the dentist’s office. And anyone who knows me, knows I eat a pretty clean diet and yet it always feels so unfair that people who eat much more poorly than me have fewer cavities!
Why I’m suddenly optimistic
Despite many years of listening to my body and trying to find solutions to these issues, I have only found temporary relief. I’m so happy to share that I finally feel that I am on the right track! I recently visited the Pain and Sleep Therapy Center and from my first phone call to my initial in-person appointment, I knew I was on my way to getting some answers. They started with a free 30-minute consultation via phone call that helped me understand what they do in their office and how it connected to my symptoms. When I had my first in-person appointment, I was FLOORED. I very quickly began to see answers to the questions I’ve had my whole life. Answers that no other medical professional had recognized or prioritized.
During my visit, they asked a lot of questions and truly listened to my answers. They performed some quick tests, took photos, and used CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) to obtain more information about my airway, sinuses, jaws, and jaw joints. Here’s what I found out:
image below: TOP ROW - my personal imaging, BOTTOM ROW - standard imaging for comparison
I have major TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). While I was diagnosed with this in the 7th grade, I never knew the impact it was having on my life. After seeing the photos and discussing the topic with the doctors and staff at The Pain and Sleep Therapy Center, I realize that my “headaches” are likely largely attributed to this condition! Ever since my appointment, I’ve paid attention to the things I’ve essentially been ignoring and overlooking for years… I clench my teeth when stressed, it hurts when I smile/laugh/talk/do speech therapy for extended periods of time, my jaw pops/clicks, and more.
I have a narrow high palate and a narrow jaw. While I recognized this when I got Invisalign in my 20s, when I asked the Orthodontist about it, she said she could only straighten my teeth and not widen my upper jaw. At that time I was concerned more about my appearance but didn’t realize the additional problems that my high narrow palate and narrow jaw might cause. A big thing that was pointed out to me (which is so obvious now!) is that the roof of the mouth is the floor of the nasal cavity. Therefore, when a palate is high and narrow, it can result in difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
I have a tongue tie! I recognized this during the time between my consultation and first in-person appointment after thinking more about it. It’s kind of wild because I’m an SLP and CLC and I support my clients with oral ties, but never recognized that I, in fact, have a posterior tongue tie. I have plenty of movement, and fairly typical speech (although I have a slight tongue thrust and now I know why) so I never questioned it. However, I’m learning how this “tethering” likely led to #2 above.
Here are some of the big take home points for me that I think will be helpful for others. The ideal resting position for the tongue is up against the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth. This position is essential for maintaining oral health, facilitating effective nasal breathing, and influencing facial structure. When there is a tongue tie, the tongue tends to rest at the bottom of the mouth instead. This results in mouth breathing.
Why is mouth breathing a big deal?
Simply put, proper (nasal!) breathing is vital to our health and wellness! When breathing through one’s mouth, oxygen levels are reduced. This results in poor sleep quality and lowered energy levels overall. Further, it impacts the airway, prevents the jaw from developing properly, can impact teeth and overall oral health, and increases the risk of other diseases.
Why I’m so excited to have learned these things
To start, it feels good to be validated! Anyone who has ever struggled with any type of health issues knows that it can sometimes feel like a big part of the battle to simply have a name/diagnosis/rationale for what you’re experiencing. Something clicked for me at these appointments and it just felt good to say “Yes, that’s it!”
Further, I am hopeful for solutions. I’m eager to see the positive changes that arise once we start tackling my “issues.” I plan to share my healing journey with anyone who will listen. After talking to many of my friends and colleagues about my circumstances and experiences, I realized that there are many others who have issues similar to mine and additional symptoms that may be related as well.
Lastly, this experience has already made me a better and more informed SLP and CLC! The Pain and Sleep Center has helped me to fill in some gaps that were not taught to me thus far in my career. All of this personal and professional knowledge will better equip me to help my clients have healthier, happier lives!!
Stay tuned to hear more about where this takes me!!
At Latch on to Language, I specialize in working with moms, moms-to-be, and babies for lactation concerns. I also specialize in working with children from toddler-age to teenage and most frequently service those with deficits in articulation/phonology and language. I offer in-home services to clients in Cecil County, MD, and nearby towns/cities in MD, PA, and DE. Additional travel fees apply to locations beyond this area. Virtual sessions are also effective and can be provided to address many lactation, speech, and language concerns.
If you're struggling or you’d simply like more information, please reach out to see if Latch on to Language may be a good fit! I look forward to working with you! 🌟
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