Xeomin for TMJ / Migraine Therapy Xeomin is an FDA approved drug made from the same active ingredient used in Botox (Botulinum Toxin A). Unlike BOTOX, no additional ingredients are added - meaning less chance for allergic reactions, and no refrigeration requirements.
Trigger Point, Prolo Therapy & Steroid Injections – Some of the best treatments for TMJ disorders involve injections that address pain, spasms, muscle guarding, soreness, and inflammation. Trigger Point Injections and Dry Needling can be highly effective in breaking up stubborn knots in the jaw/neck muscles.
BOTOX® injections are one of the newest and most promising treatments for TMJ/TMD. While BOTOX is often associated with cosmetic procedures, it has shown remarkable results in relieving jaw pain and muscle tension associated with TMJ/TMD.
The 3 finger mouth opening test is a simple way to check your TMJ. Open your mouth and place three fingers between your teeth. If three fingers don't fit, it might mean your jaw isn't moving as it should. Another test is to press on the TMJ while opening and closing your mouth.
It's not foolproof, but it can give you a hint that TMJ might be contributing to your headaches. Next time you have a headache, gently hold a pencil between your teeth. If it changes the pain you're feeling–either lessening it or increasing it–then it's likely that TMJ is contributing to your headaches.
Surgical Options for Severe TMJ Cases
If conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures include: Arthroscopy – A minimally invasive surgery to remove scar tissue, reposition the joint disk, or reshape the bone. Open-joint surgery – A more extensive procedure for severe cases.
If you have TMJ symptoms, it's important to avoid or stop activities that place excessive or unnecessary stress on your jaw. This includes jaw clenching, chewing hard foods, excessive chewing, and poor posture. Reducing stress and quitting smoking can also help you effectively manage TMJ symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
The exact cause of TMJ disorder is often hard to determine. The pain may be due to a mix of factors, including habits such as teeth clenching, gum chewing and nail biting; stress; and painful conditions that occur along with TMJ disorder such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis or jaw injury.
The Best Type of Doctor to See for TMJ Pain
If you're experiencing TMJ pain, you should see a dentist. Dentists don't just treat your teeth—they're specialists who are trained in the anatomy of the jaw and diagnosing dysfunction in the bite.
Untreated TMJ can cause constant tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, that can disrupt sleep and make it difficult to concentrate. Because our body's sense of balance is in the inner ears, the inflammation caused by TMJ disorder can impact balance as well, resulting in dizziness, unsteadiness, and vertigo.
Prolonged use of BOTOX for TMJ issues can cause muscle atrophy, which can alter the shape and function of the jaw. Additionally, the effectiveness of BOTOX may diminish with repeated use, requiring adjustments in dosage or injection sites.
Traditionally, internal derangement of the TMJ has been described as a progressive disorder with a natural history that may be classified into four consecutive clinical stages1,5,6: stage one has been described as disc displacement with reduction, stage two as disc displacement with reduction and intermittent locking, ...
Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications, which typically work better than NSAIDs, but come with greater risks. Evidence: There is good evidence that corticosteroids can help with TMJ pain over a period of 4–6 weeks, but…
It's twice as common in women than men, and mainly affects women aged 35-44 [1]. TMJ disorder can be painful and impact your quality of life, but fortunately there are plenty of treatment options to cure TMJ disorder permanently.
If your TMJ pain lasts longer than a few days, you'll need to get help. There's probably something more serious going on in your joint. You'll need a doctor or dentist to uncover the root cause of your pain and prevent more damage.
Licensed chiropractors adjust bones, joints, and muscles to improve function and reduce pain in their patients. One option a TMJ chiropractor can provide is to make these adjustments to help ease TMD/TMJ symptoms, including pain: Manipulate the jaw joint so it can move more easily.
Your healthcare provider will also measure how much your mouth opens. They may do this by wearing gloves and measuring with their fingers. In adults, the normal mouth opening is about 3 finger widths. If your mouth opens less than 2 finger widths, it may mean you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Commonly known muscle relaxants include Soma, Skelaxin, Zanaflex, and Robaxin. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) blocks nerve impulses (or pain sensations) sent to the brain. Diazepam (Valium) has also been shown to relieve TMJ-related pain.
Chronic sinus pain and sinus infections can also produce pain around the temples that can feel like TMJ disorder. An infection is typically accompanied by a fever and discharge; chronic sinus issues may be caused by allergies or structural problems within the sinuses.