Can BOTOX Help You Get Rid of TMJ Headaches?

A tight, dull aching headache in your temple region could be a symptom of a TMJ disorder. Naturally, you’ll want to find a way to put a stop to your pain so that it doesn’t get in the way of your everyday life. Your dentist can offer a few different treatment options – and you might be surprised that one of them involves BOTOX! Read on to learn more about how BOTOX can help you stop your TMJ headaches.

What Exactly is a TMJ Disorder?

A TMJ disorder involves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint plays an extremely important role in chewing and speaking, but unfortunately, it’s also vulnerable to stress. As such, it’s not uncommon for the muscles around the TMJ to tense up, leading to chronic headaches as well as jaw pain, teeth clenching and grinding, and lockjaw.

How Can BOTOX Help You Find Relief?

BOTOX is best known as a cosmetic treatment for reducing facial wrinkles, but it can also be used to address the symptoms of a TMJ disorder. The treatment involves an injection of botulinum toxin that prevents the muscles in the area from receiving the nerve signals that cause them to tense up. Without those nerve signals, the muscles will relax, reducing your pain and causing you to experience headaches less often.

It should be noted that BOTOX only temporarily relieves your symptoms; it won’t necessarily address the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder. That said, it can go a long way toward helping you stay comfortable while your dentist uses other treatments to get to the root of the problem.

What to Expect When Using BOTOX to Treat a TMJ Disorder

On the day of your BOTOX treatment, you’ll receive a specific number of injections based on your needs. The procedure is typically completed in less than half an hour. Any discomfort you experience will be minimal, and your dentist can offer nitrous oxide sedation if you’re nervous about the procedure.

After the treatment is complete, you’ll be able to return to your normal routine right away. You’ll be told to stay upright for a certain amount of time, and you’ll need to avoid rubbing the injection site so that the toxin isn’t spread to other muscles. You should notice some improvement in your TMJ-related symptoms after a couple of days, but it may take a while to feel the full effect.

BOTOX may not be the treatment you immediately think of when trying to find a way to stop TMJ headaches, but it could very well provide the relief you need. Reach out to your dental team today to see if BOTOX can help you overcome your pain.

About the Author

Dr. Cooper Owens decided to become a dentist when he realized that he could help patients escape chronic pain and enjoy a higher quality of life. His practice in Geneva offers many treatments for TMJ disorders. To learn more about BOTOX and other possible solutions for TMJ headaches, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Owens by visiting his website or calling (440) 466-4884.