Migraines/Headaches/TMJ Pain

Migraines/Headaches/TMJ Pain

As a board certified family physician, I am very open to the idea of "complementary" medical therapies which may be beneficial to my patients, as an adjunct or alternative to traditional medicine. The challenge, I find, is developing relationships with providers in the area that I feel comfortable referring patients to when I am confident they might benefit from this care.  Luckily, my own search for chiropractic care led me to Dr. Jonathan Donath. Not only has he been able to help me with a variety of issues, from migraine headaches to pregnancy related back pain to exercise related ailments, but he has proven to be a valuable resource to me as an urgent care physician. 

Doctors usually make the worst patients, and I am no exception.  I usually call on Dr. Donath in some moment of desperation, when some ailment or injury is preventing me from keeping up with my busy life. In "short order" (usually one or two visits, because I rarely have more time than that!) he is able to get me some relief and break the cycle of discomfort, as well as provide me with tips or exercises to remedy the root of the problem.  Some of the patients I refer to Dr. Donath are in need of this kind of specific targeted treatment for a painful condition--I know that based on my own experience, Dr. Donath will be able to give them some relief in one or two treatments which might ameliorate their need for other medications, as well as provide them with exercises and modification of activities to prevent the pain in the future.  The other category of patient he has been able help are those who have a more chronic condition--those who have "tried everything" that conventional medicine can offer them, and still have pain or disability. I am happy to be able to provide those patients an option that they might not have explored yet. Additionally, it is nice to be able to assure these patients that I have personal experience with Dr. Donath and that he has helped me--he is not just another name on a piece of paper.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jenifer Johnson, MD  Family Medicine/Urgent Care White Plains, NY

I suffered from migraines all throughout high school, and was able to manage them to some degree with medication taken when I had the headaches. This worked relatively well up until the middle of my first year of college, when I had to go to the emergency room one night because the pain was so bad. Soon after that visit, I saw a neurologist who prescribed me a heavy anti-seizure medication, because there is no medication that is made to target just migraine headaches. I was on this preventative medication for about four months with almost no headaches, and then all of a sudden they returned.

My family had been treated by Dr. Donath in the past, with excellent results, and made an appointment for me to see him one day when I couldn’t even go to work because the pain was so bad. After that first treatment, going in with pain, I came out much more relaxed and confident in Dr. Donath’s ability to work with my body to definitely ease, and (I hoped!) eliminate the migraines. 

A few months later, I have been off of my medication for more than a month, and have been migraine free for the same amount of time! Going from having between three and five migraines a week to none is really amazing. And getting me off of the heavy medication I was taking is great, too! I’m feeling better than I have in a very long time and Dr. Donath helped me get better faster than I ever imagined possible. 

Thank you for all your help, Dr. Donath! 

Catie E. White Plains, NY

As a 61 year old woman, I've always considered myself extremely fortunate that I've never suffered from any chronic pain or injury.  I've always been able to keep an active, carefree life, full of energy and vitality.  Unfortunately, that all changed late last winter as I was eating dinner at a fancy restaurant! I bit into something that caused my left jaw to suddenly start throbbing and aching.  As all my various minor injuries had always done, I was sure that it would go away in a few days.  Unfortunately, the pain only got worse, so much so that I became obsessed with it as I was always aware of it  I was constantly massaging and holding my poor jaw!  I finally had to accept the fact that I had TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder.  Of course, I immediately turned to the internet for information and advice, but couldn't seem to get any clear indication of what to do besides make an appointment with my dentist.

My dentist determined that I had a fairly mild case of TMJ and just prescribed a very heavy dose of ibuprofen for several weeks, along with hot compresses.  I diligently followed his orders, and, of my own accord, switched to a very soft diet, but my symptoms only got worse.  The left side of my neck began to ache, and also my left ear.  I even had a hard time talking!  Running, which is my therapy and passion, also became too painful as the pounding was too jarring for my jaw.  I felt very hopeless and was ready to talk to a joint doctor to discuss the possibility of surgery.

Fortunately, I was sparred having to do anything so expensive or radical.  While talking to my mother one day, she mentioned an article she had just read about chiropractors treating TMJ.  I have always been open to alternative methods to routine medicine, and decided to give it a try.  I googled " White Plains chiropractor treating TMJ" and sure enough, up came Dr. Donath's name, along with several other doctors.  I was most impressed with Dr. Donath's website and all of the testimonials about his work, so decided to call and see if I could make an appointment as soon as possible.  I must say that I was so pleasantly surprised at how warm and solicitous the woman was who made the appointment.  I am so used to terse, matter-of-fact receptionists that I already felt a little better!  When I came in for my appointment I was delighted at how gracious and lovely the office and atmosphere were.  Dr. Donath himself turned out to be a wonderful doctor, extremely warm, attentive, caring, and he explained my condition to me and how he thought he should best treat it in simple, layman's terms.  We decided on a course of 5 treatments, and I had my first one right there and then.  I must say....and he certainly warned me....it sure didn't feel too good; but when I left the office, and upon waking up the next morning,  I felt better than I had in months!  It was amazing what just one treatment did!  I came back a couple of days later for my second treatment, and was planning on resuming the remaining three after I got back from vacation.  I don't know what he did or how he did it, but somehow, while I was on vacation, I realized that I was cured! In the course of just two treatments, Dr. Donath managed to take away my pain.  All of my symptoms just disappeared!  I was actually able to yawn! And bite into an apple! 

It's so rare these days to have a medical experience where one's expectations are truly met and fulfilled; leaving you feeling gratified and satisfied.  But when those expectations are exceeded by a level of such professionalism by a doctor who combines it with a rare dose of sincerity and caring, I have to feel as though I was very fortunate indeed to have been treated my Dr. Donath.

Suzanne S. Greenwich, CT

I have been a patient of Dr. Donath, on and off, for 4 years and always found his treatments to be very helpful. More recently, I developed severe headaches which were occurring more and more frequently. Initially, I sought treatment with Neurologists; they diagnosed me with atypical migraines and proceeded to prescribe one drug after the other forcing me to live with a number of unpleasant side affects (just ask my wife). I sought a more holistic approach and immediately thought of Dr. Donath. Right from the very first treatment I had relief. It became clear that the Neurologists had been treating me for the wrong type of headaches. After a few weeks of treatments, I was virtually pain free. I feel a great debt to Dr. Donath, and would recommend him to anyone seeking relief from any kind of chronic pain.

Scott G. New Rochelle, NY

I have had back and neck pain for more than 5 years and always ignored it or medicated it but never dealt with the underlying problem. The culmination of ignorance led me to a tension headache that lasted for about 5 days that radiated from my upper back to my neck and up into the back of my head. A medical doctor I saw suggested I see Dr. Donath for relief. Within the first few treatments I could actually feel a difference. The headache disappeared, my neck and shoulders began to relax and I achieved flexibility in my back and shoulders that I hadn’t experienced in years. Dr. Donath gave me exercises to help strengthen supporting muscles in order to keep the progress on course. After just a few weeks of 2 to 3 treatments per week, I feel like we have a real handle on the problem. I am now on an “as needed” basis for treatments. I am very pleased with the progress I’ve made and am grateful for the relief Dr. Donath has provided.

Jodi L. Rye, NY

I have been a daily headache sufferer my whole life.  About 10 years ago I added leg and foot pain to my list.  In addition to that, I have a weak immune system, driven to a state of crisis by my most recent pregnancy.  Any difficult day inevitably turned impossible when pain is added on top.  Simple tasks turn monumental when you are not in good health.  Anyone who suffers like this knows the sacrifices you and your family makes to pick up the slack.  I have tried many different types of therapies, including various chiropractors, and stuck with them for years in the hopes that if I never gave up, some relief would be in sight.  At some point I wanted to give up and accept that this is the quality of my life. One day I was at Westchester Medical Group for one of my many sick visits and the Doctor there suggested I go see Dr. Donath.

Dr. Donath instantly gave me hope when he agreed to see me, a stranger to his practice, before his office opened, because he was totally booked that day. Not only is he the ultimate professional, a decent and wonderful person, but he is a MIRACLE WORKER. After only a couple of months, I have reduced my pain so much so that I have to remind myself when my last headache was! My immune system is better than it has been for years, and the stresses of everyday life are just that now. Not only do I have him to thank for my newfound health, but more importantly, for the time it has given me to enjoy and care for my family.

Ann S. Mamaroneck, NY

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for your dedication, compassion, and level of service your practice has provided me. One year ago I came to you on the recommendation of another one of your patients suffering from chronic migraines and jaw pain. The migraines and jaw pain affected my work, sleep, eating and other routine activities. I can say I no longer have chronic migraines and my jaw pain has subsided to the point that it is manageable. I wish I can say I feel no jaw pain but that would be a lie. I have been meaning to pay a visit so I could say thanks for helping me. I've been to many doctors within the past 4 years with little comfort or understanding from most. In the past 4 years, I have seen headache and TMJ specialists, pain management doctors (which only masked my symptoms temporarily and left me dependent on medication to get through my day). You made me feel like I was finally getting some answers to the pain I was experiencing and it made a very big difference.

This past year I have taken better care of myself based on the information you provide me during my appointments and in your newsletters. Since May I have made significant changes in my life to help reduce my stress and improve my health. I have been carrying over the techniques you showed me for stretching. I read all the newsletters your office sends out. I now exercise 6 days a week 30 minutes a day. This has been an amazing year for me!!

Christine D. Bronx, NY

"Many years of sports injuries combined with bad posture had left me with chronic and severe neck and shoulder pain. It had finally reached a point where I could not sit, lie down, or stand without discomfort. Not wanting to rely on pain medications I decided to try an alternative. Initially I had some skepticism about seeing a chiropractor, however Dr Donath soon put my mind at ease from the very first session as I noticed some improvement immediately. The treatments were gentle yet effective. He also addressed my jaw pain which I was not even aware could be corrected. Within in a few weeks of treatment I was pain free. As an added benefit I noticed that my migraines had disappeared! He took the time to show me preventative exercises so that the pain will not return in the future.

I highly recommend Dr. Donath for anyone who is suffering from back, neck or shoulder pain. His knowledge and genuine care and concern for each patient is evident from day one."

Marita T. White Plains, NY

I have had migraines for years. My pain would stop me from doing my everyday activities. My headaches would last days, even weeks and the medications I was put on did nothing to alleviate the pain. I started going to Dr. Donath and he used Active release Technique on all the muscles around my neck and jaw. In a couple of weeks my migraines were completely gone! Dr. Donath provides a wonderful service. Not only did he help me with my pain but he treated me with respect and made me feel like a friend. Dr. Donath takes time to get to know his patients and really listens to your needs and problems. I have complete confidence that he is a true healer and I hope that everyone can experience what a great doctor he is. I have and will continue to recommend Dr. Donath to my family and friends.

Katherine P. New Rochelle, NY

Dr. Donath accommodated me for an emergency visit.  I suffer from TMJ (jaw dislocation) and I was in pain.  Dr. Donath was calming, simultaneously personal and professional, experienced and knowledgeable.  After examining me, he explained, in a way I could easily understand, the mechanics of the jaw and what had happened.   With an experienced and gentle touch, Dr. Donath realigned the joint. When I awoke the next morning, my husband asked how my jaw felt.  “Jaw?”  I looked puzzled. Thanks to Dr. Donath, I felt as if the misalignment had never happened.   I was as good as new.  

Beverly S. Mount Vernon, NY