Are you suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain? Do you experience frequent headaches, neck stiffness, or jaw discomfort? You may have chronic TMJ-related joint pain. You should consider seeking the help of a professional like Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend, who is an expert in treating TMJ-related joint pain.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint in your jaw that helps you to move your lower jaw when you’re talking, chewing, or yawning. When the muscles around the joint become tight, tense, or inflamed, you may suffer from TMJ-related joint pain. This is a disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- jaw clicking or popping
- ear pain
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- facial pain
- neck and shoulder pain
- headaches
- muscle spasms in the face, neck, or back
How is TMJ-Related Joint Pain Diagnosed?
In some cases, TMJ pain may be most severe when the jaw is in a certain position. In other cases, the pain may not be localized to the jaw at all. Therefore, a trained professional such as Dr. Kelley Mingus is able to diagnose TMJ-related joint pain based on a physical examination, a thorough medical history, and perhaps even diagnostic tests such as X-rays or an MRI.
Treatment of TMJ-Related Joint Pain by Dr. Kelley Mingus
Dr. Kelley Mingus is an experienced naturopathic physician who specializes in the treatment of TMJ-related joint pain. She uses a variety of natural treatments that are focused on healing the underlying causes of the pain rather than merely addressing the symptoms. Her treatment approach includes a combination of:
Soft Tissue Therapy
Dr. Kelley Mingus uses a variety of gentle massage techniques to help relieve muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. This also stimulates circulation to the area, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice that has been used for thousands of years to help relieve pain and restore overall health. This treatment involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, which can help to balance the flow of energy (qi) and promote healing.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes
Dr. Kelley Mingus also focuses on making positive changes to her patient’s diet and lifestyle. This may include avoiding foods that are known to cause inflammation (such as sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats), increasing the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), and getting regular exercise to help reduce stress and boost overall health.
Herbal Medicine and Supplements
Dr. Kelley Mingus may also recommend the use of herbal medicine and dietary supplements to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. She will take into consideration the patient’s individual needs and health concerns in order to create a treatment plan that is right for them.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from TMJ-related joint pain, it’s important to seek the help of a professional who specializes in its treatment. Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend is an experienced naturopathic physician who has helped many patients to find relief from their chronic TMJ pain. Her natural approach to treatment focuses on healing the underlying causes of the pain, rather than simply addressing the symptoms. With her gentle massage techniques, acupuncture treatments, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, and the use of herbal medicine and supplements, Dr. Kelley Mingus is able to provide her patients with the relief that they need.
