Approximately 15 percent of adults in the United States suffer from chronic jaw joint pain. This pain can come in a variety of forms, from simply feeling stiff to severe, debilitating pain. If you’re dealing with jaw joint discomfort, it’s important to get it properly diagnosed and treated. And if you’re looking for a skilled and experienced practitioner in Bend, Oregon, look no further than Dr. Kelley Mingus.
What Causes Jaw Joint Pain?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex hinge joint located on either side of the head, just in front of the ears. This joint connects the jawbone to the skull and allows for movement of the jaw. Jaw joint pain is often caused by a problem with one or both of the TMJ joints, muscle pain, or a combination of both. Common causes of jaw joint pain include arthritis, damaged ligaments, muscle strain, joint disc displacement, and joint misalignment. Jaw joint pain can also be triggered by certain habits, such as grinding or clenching the teeth.
How Do You Know If You Have Jaw Joint Pain?
The symptoms of jaw joint pain can vary greatly from person to person. Common symptoms include neck and head pain, earaches, ringing in the ears, clicking or popping noises while chewing, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, facial pain, and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, you should schedule an appointment with a practitioner, such as Dr. Mingus, who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.
Dr. Kelley Mingus Offers Solutions for Jaw Joint Pain
As an honest, approachable, and compassionate practitioner, Dr. Mingus is dedicated to providing his patients with comprehensive care. He offers many solutions for jaw joint pain, including:
Physical Therapy
For patients with muscle pain and/or disc displacement, physical therapy can be highly effective. Dr. Mingus can create a customized physical therapy plan to help restore proper function of the jaw joint.
Customized Orthotic Devices
In some cases, a customized oral appliance can be used to help alleviate TMJ pain. These devices can help to distribute forces equally to both sides of the jaw joint, reducing harmful muscle tension and joint stresses.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help to temporarily alleviate jaw joint pain. Dr. Mingus can also offer prescription-strength anti-inflammatories for more severe pain.
Trigger-Point Injections
If muscle knots (trigger points) are contributing to your jaw joint pain, Dr. Mingus may recommend trigger-point injections. This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic into the affected muscle to help disrupt the pain cycle.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Once your jaw joint pain begins to subside, Dr. Mingus may recommend rehabilitation exercises to help maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles. This will help to reduce the risk of the pain recurring.
Contact Dr. Kelley Mingus for Expert TMJD Care
If you are dealing with jaw joint pain and are looking for expert care in Bend, Oregon, then you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Mingus. He has the training and experience necessary to properly diagnose and treat jaw joint pain and will work with you to develop a personalized and effective treatment plan. Contact Dr. Mingus today to take the first step in minimizing jaw joint discomfort and improving your quality of life.
