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Do you suffer from headaches? Are you waking up some mornings with a dull, throbbing pain in your temples that seems to last all day long? If so, you might have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a condition affecting the jaw joint that can result in debilitating headaches. If you live in Bend, Oregon, and are constantly looking for a remedy for your chronic headache pain, consider visiting Dr. Kelley Mingus, an expert in diagnosing and treating TMJ.

What is TMJ?

TMJ is a complex condition, but in simplest terms, it is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. The condition can cause the joint to become misaligned, resulting in symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. In addition, a misaligned joint can cause your jaw to make a clicking sound when opening and closing, and can even affect the alignment of your teeth.

Symptoms of TMJ

The primary symptom of TMJ is chronic headaches. Most often, the headaches are characterized by a dull, constant ache that can last from a few hours to several days. In addition to headaches, you may experience a throbbing pain in your temples, jaw pain when chewing, a clicking or popping sound when opening and closing your mouth, earaches, and general jaw discomfort. In some cases, it can also cause dizziness and vision problems.

Dr. Mingus’ TMJ Treatment Approach

When you visit Dr. Mingus to discuss your TMJ symptoms, she will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your pain. She explores the full range of underlying health problems that can contribute to TMJ, and creates an individualized treatment plan to address each issue. In some cases, Dr. Mingus may prescribe medication to temporarily alleviate your symptoms. However, she emphasizes non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture as the best solution to more effectively restore joint function and reduce pain.

Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care

The primary focus of physical therapy is to improve muscle flexibility, strength, and stability of the jaw muscles. It is recommended that you see a physical therapist who specializes in TMJ. The therapist will teach you special exercises and stretches that loosen the muscles and reduce inflammation. Chiropractic adjustments can also be beneficial in treating TMJ disorder. Chiropractors perform gentle adjustments to realign the neck and jaw joints, relieving pressure and tension in the surrounding muscles.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be useful for treating TMJ. By inserting fine needles at specific meridians along the body, acupuncturists can stimulate the body’s natural healing capacity. Acupuncture may also help to relieve stress and tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders, which can exacerbate TMJ pain.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an effective treatment in the Bend, Oregon area to relieve your TMJ and headaches, consider visiting Dr. Kelley Mingus. Her comprehensive approach to TMJ includes non-surgical methods, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture, that are designed to relieve pain and restore joint function. If you’re tired of constantly dealing with headaches and you’re ready to find a solution, Dr. Mingus can help.