Using Botox for painful TMJ is a feasible option for those looking for relief.
The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is located on both sides of the head. It’s found where where the jawbone meets the skull. It is used during talking, eating, swallowing, and other everyday activities. This joint can become displaced or overworked through excessive teeth grinding. One may also suffer severe tension headaches, as well as sharp pain in the jaw.
Botox is a brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This toxin, called Botulinum, is very deadly. However, when used appropriately and in a therapeutic context, it is safe and beneficial.
Botox works by targeting the nervous system. It blocks signals from the nerves that cause muscle contractions. The injected muscle in turn can’t contract. For TMJ, the toxin is injected into facial muscles, jaw muscles, forehead, and temple depending on your symptoms. The injections cause the jaw muscles to have a limited function. This brings pain relief and decreases TMJ symptoms. The effects of the treatment typically last 3-4 months. After this time the effects will wear off more injections will likely be needed for continuous relief.
This is a great alternative treatment for TMJ disorders and associated jaw tension and pain. The injections often eliminate headaches resulting from teeth grinding severe stress. The treatment can even minimize lock jaw.
Although Botox treatment for these conditions is presently experimental; evidence indicates that it can be extremely effective.
The length of the Botox treatment procedure can change depending on the number of injections needed. This will be determined by the doctor. However, it is typical for the procedure to take around 10-30 minutes to be completed.
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