Botox Injections Bring Relief to TMJ Patients
October 27, 2014
Botox is a well-known treatment for wrinkle reduction, but did you know that it’s also increasingly being used to treat medical conditions like migraines, headaches and TMJ? In many cases, the treatments are highly effective.
If you suffer from TMJ or know someone who does, you should know that there are a variety of options available to treat symptoms depending on the diagnosis. Botox may not be the right course of action for everyone, but for those who have tried other treatments and still suffer from severe pain, Botox can provide welcome relief.
When injected into individual facial muscles, Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can’t contract. That makes the wrinkles relax and soften. Botox treatment has the same effect on patients with TMJ by blocking the nerve, and stopping or minimizing the powerful and often unconscious jaw movement that causes TMJ pain.
Botox treatment for TMJ is a non-invasive and efficient procedure, usually completed within minutes. Patients using Botox for TMJ may need to repeat treatment every three-to-four months. However, some patients find that after several treatments their jaw muscles have broken the cycle of spasms and involuntary jaw movements. When the pain does return, it isn’t as intense as before the injections.
With an estimated 75 percent of Americans experiencing some level of TMJ pain or discomfort during their lifetime, having a variety of treatment options to meet the wide range of symptoms is important. Botox is just one of the TMJ treatment options available to patients.
Botox is a medical procedure and should only be administered by a practitioner who both specializes in TMJ and is qualified to administer Botox, such as Dr. Mitakides.
Before you consider treatment options, make an appointment with a medical professional experienced in TMJ treatment to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. To learn more about TMJ, the symptoms, causes and treatments, contact the TMJ Treatment Center.