Are you one of the millions of Americans who suffer from frequent migraines? If so, it may be due to an underlying issue known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ is a painful condition that can affect the normal functioning of your jaw and even lead to chronic headaches, including migraines. But there is good news: if you live in the Bend, OR area, Dr. Kelley Mingus provides effective TMJ therapy that can help you find relief from your migraines.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located in your jaw and connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ disorder occurs when the joint is out of alignment or the ligaments or muscles that hold it in place are damaged or strained. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including jaw pain or difficulty moving the jaw, earaches, facial pain, and in some cases, even migraines.
How Can TMJ Cause Migraines?
The exact cause of migraines is not yet fully understood, but some medical professionals believe that they may be linked to muscular tension in the neck, jaw, and head. When the TMJ is out of alignment, it can put additional stress on these muscles, leading to tension and pain and in some cases migraines. Additionally, if the TMJ is misaligned this can also interfere with the body’s natural ability to regulate its own internal stress and relaxation response, which can also contribute to migraines.
How Can Dr. Kelley Mingus Help?
As a licensed chiropractic physician and certified craniosacral therapist, Dr. Kelley Mingus provides a variety of techniques that can help to relieve TMJ dysfunction and the associated migraines. To determine the cause of your headaches, Dr. Mingus will first conduct a thorough physical examination and possibly take x-rays of your jaw, neck, and head. Once a diagnosis has been made, she will develop a customized treatment plan that may include one or more of the following therapies:
Chiropractic Care:
Dr. Mingus offers a variety of chiropractic adjustments and manipulations to help align the TMJ and relieve muscle tension in the jaw and neck. Her gentle, hands-on approach can help to alleviate pain and improve the functioning of the jaw and associated muscles.
Myofascial Release:
Myofascial release is a hands-on technique used to gently stretch and release the tight bands of fascia that can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Mingus will apply gentle pressure along the jaw and neck to help relieve tension and pain and restore proper movement.
Craniosacral Therapy:
Craniosacral therapy involves gentle, non-invasive techniques that can help to improve the functioning of the craniosacral system, which includes the brain and the spine. Dr. Mingus will use her hands to apply gentle pressure to the head and spine to help release tension and restore proper movement.
It’s important to note that every patient is unique, so Dr. Mingus will customize each treatment plan depending on the individual’s needs and health goals. In addition, she will often recommend at-home exercises or stretches to help speed the healing process and prevent future migraines from occurring.
Why Choose Dr. Kelley Mingus for TMJ Therapy?
Dr. Kelley Mingus has over 20 years of experience helping her patients find relief from TMJ dysfunction and associated migraines. Her holistic, all-natural approach to treatment means that she can offer relief without the use of drugs or invasive procedures. In fact, many of her patients report significant improvements in their symptoms after just a few treatments.
If you live in the Bend, OR area and are suffering from frequent migraines, it may be due to underlying TMJ dysfunction. Let Dr. Kelley Mingus help you find relief with her safe, effective TMJ therapy. Contact her today to schedule an appointment.
