Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This unique joint slides and rotates, allowing you to chew, talk, yawn, and swallow smoothly. You might not think too much about this joint unless it hurts.
TMJ disorder refers to a problem with your temporomandibular joint as well as your jaw muscles and nerves. Left untreated, your jaw might pop or click, and it can become painful and difficult to move.
Because TMJ disorder can impact your quality of life and your ability to get adequate nutrition, we emphasize diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorder here at Ardsley Dental Spa in Ardsley, New York.
In addition to at-home remedies such as stress management or facial massage, Dr. Hinna Chaudhry may suggest injectable treatments for your TMJ disorder.
New to the idea of injectables for noncosmetic issues? Here’s what you need to know about injectables for TMJ disorder.
How injectables reduce TMJ disorder symptoms
While injectables are well-known primarily for their cosmetic uses, the reality is that they offer many medical benefits. In fact, injectables were first developed to treat medical conditions! Now, they are used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including TMJ disorder.
As a neurotoxin, injectables gently relax specific muscles, such as the temporalis muscle. Your temporalis muscle runs from your temporal bone to your cheekbone. When it becomes tense or inflamed, it can exacerbate your TMJ discomfort as well as cause headaches.
Because injectable treatments can relax this muscle, they can lead to a reduction of many of the symptoms associated with a TMJ disorder, including:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Muscle tension
Researchers have found that injections into your temporalis and masseter muscles relax these muscles and can help with bruxism (teeth grinding), which is a risk factor for TMJ pain.
Effective treatment for TMJ disorder
Injectable treatments reduce jaw pain, but that’s not the only benefit. According to clinical trial data, these treatments offer the following benefits for at least three months post-injection:
- Chronic pain relief
- Improved jaw mobility (ability to open the mouth wide)
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved psychological state
Injectable treatments can also reduce the number and intensity of tension headaches caused by TMJ disorder, according to another study.
Injectables fit into other treatment plans
TMJ disorder has many causes, including bruxism, stress, lack of sleep, and poor posture. In addition to injectable treatments, you may find that at-home remedies take your symptom relief to the next level.
For example, if high stress levels are causing bruxism-related TMJ pain, you may find relief from injectables while you explore stress management techniques. These could include exercise, time management, meditation, deep breathing, and calming music.
Should you seek injectables for TMJ pain?
If you have jaw pain that’s accompanied by clicking or popping noises, difficulty opening your mouth, pain, and headaches, it’s time to schedule your TMJ consultation.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the cause of your TMJ pain, Dr. Chaudhry may suggest injectable treatments or possibly a nightguard to manage your bruxism.
Don’t live your life with constant jaw pain. Call Ardsley Dental Spa at 914-348-9815, or simply request your visit online.