Described as one of the biggest epidemic diseases, the painful and debilitating migraines can be a major source of stress and suffering. Individuals struggling with migraines are often desperate for relief and are willing to explore as many options, treatments, and therapies as possible. One alternative worth considering for anyone living in Bend, Oregon is that of Dr. Kelley Mingus’s TMJ therapy. This article aims to provide an overview of what TMJ therapy involves and how it can provide relief to migraine headaches.
Who is Dr. Kelley Mingus and what is TMJ?
Dr. Kelley Mingus, a certified Naturopathic physician, has been practicing in Oregon since 2000. A passionate chiropractic specialist, she is also a dedicated teacher who values educating both her team and her patients through open and candid consultations. In 2003, Dr. Mingus received her degree in Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Therefore, when she came across Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder she immediately recognized it and began studying how her innovative chiropractic techniques could be utilized to treat TMJ.
For those who are not familiar with the condition, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a condition that affects the jaw, causing pain and discomfort. Characterized by difficulty chewing or talking, the condition often starts off as minor pain when opening one’s mouth and arises over time. It can be caused by an injury, stress, or the effects of grinding or clenching of teeth, known as Bruxism. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (US), Bruxism affects somewhere between 8% to 31% of adults, making it increasingly common. For many people with TMJ Disorder, a combination of treatment approaches is needed, including physiotherapy, medications, behavioral and self-care, and TMJ therapy.
How Does Dr. Kelley Mingus Treat TMJ?
Dr. Mingus utilizes her cranio-sacral therapy background to identify and address the root cause of TMJ. Using gentle manual techniques, she is able to realign the joints and restore the body’s natural alignment, improving movement and function. Her treatment is non-invasive, aligning with her gentle chiropractic approach. The treatment is drug-free and the benefits can be long-lasting, making it a popular choice among her patients. Because it targets the primary source of the problem, her TMJ therapy can often reduce the necessity for other treatment options and alleviate symptoms quickly.
Can TMJ Therapy help those with Migraines?
Recognizing their intimate association to the TMJ, Dr. Mingus began to study the possible connection between migraines and TMJ when patients reported improvements in their migraines after receiving her therapy. Indeed, one study found that roughly fifty percent of migraine sufferers concurrently have TMJ problems and that over seventy percent of those patients reported decreased frequency and severity of their migraine symptoms after receiving TMJ therapy.
An explanation for these patterns could be that the overactivation of the trigeminal nerve root, found in the TMJ, releases neuropeptides that trigger painful migraines. According to Headache: The Journal of the American Association for the Study of Headache, a reliable treatment for the trigeminal overstimulation may be manual therapy, such as that of Dr. Mingus, to return the TMJ to its proper functioning. Her non-invasive, drug-free treatment can reduce the painful headache symptoms and prevent them from worsening.
Where Can I Find Dr. Mingus’ TMJ Therapy?
Anyone living in Bend, Oregon can take advantage of Dr. Mingus’ pioneering techniques in TMJ therapy. As a Naturopathic doctor, Dr. Mingus offers a different approach than traditional medicine, focusing on uncovering and treating the root cause of a problem, rather than just masking its symptoms. Her techniques and treatments are gentle and non-invasive and patient trust her compassionate, empathetic care. All of these factors make Bend, Oregon the perfect place to seek relief from TMJ-related migraines and other head, neck, and jaw pain concerns.
Living with chronic migraines can be a debilitating and frustrating experience. Traditional treatment methods, including medications, can often be ineffective or even counterproductive. Dr. Kelley Mingus’ gentle and non-invasive TMJ therapy can offer long-lasting relief without drug side effects. By addressing the root cause of the pain, her treatment is effective at reducing the frequency and severity of migraines, ultimately improve patient’s overall quality of life.
