Are you or a loved one suffering from TMJ dysfunction? It’s estimated that nearly 10 million Americans suffer from this facial disorder that affects the jaw. TMJ can be painful, but treatment options are available to help relieve your symptoms. Keep reading to learn how Botox can help treat your TMJ symptoms from the providers at SomaSou.
What is TMJ?
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the component that connects your lower jaw to your skull. The body’s TMJ allows you to open and close your jaw for functions like eating and talking. While TMJ is the medical term for the joint in our head, it is also commonly used to refer to a painful condition that makes it difficult to move that same joint.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ can be very painful to deal with. Here are some common symptoms of TMJ:
- Jaw pain
- Pain in the face or neck
- Stiff muscles in your jaw
- Inability to move or open the jaw widely
- Locking of jaw
- A clicking or popping sound when you open your jaw
- Tinnitus (a ringing noise in your ear)
- Vertigo
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- A tired feeling on your face
What causes TMJ dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction can be caused by a variety of different sources, including frequent grinding or clenching of teeth, structural jaw issues present at birth, or growth disorders. There are some studies that show a connection between elevated stress levels and developing TMJ dysfunction. People with arthritis are also more likely to develop TMJ dysfunction.
How does Botox help?
In recent years, Botox has been a proven treatment option for individuals suffering from TMJ dysfunction. When injected in the face, Botox can relax your jaw muscles to prevent teeth grinding and unconscious jaw movement. Botox is FDA-approved and safe for use, so injections will not affect your normal functions like swallowing, biting, and speaking.
What happens during a Botox appointment to treat TMJ?
If you are ready to try Botox to treat your TMJ dysfunction, you should start by setting up a consultation to discuss your options. Typically, your provider will ask for your full medical and dental history to ensure you are the right candidate for treatment. During your appointment, small Botox injections will be placed in the forehead, temple, and jaw muscle areas. Targeting these areas will help relax the muscles, so you can experience fewer TMJ dysfunction symptoms. Botox is a generally painless procedure and our team will make the experience as comfortable as possible for you. You may see some bruising, redness, or soreness for up to 48 hours after injections, but otherwise, there is no downtime associated with Botox for TMJ treatments.
Treat Your TMJ at SomaSou
Are you ready to finally find relief for your painful TMJ dysfunction symptoms? Contact SomaSou, Del Ray’s first MedSpa offering services to help our community regain vitality, strength, and confidence in themselves. SomaSou means “your body,” and we give you options to help you feel confident about it. Start your journey by taking an active role in your well-being and schedule a consultation with us today. For more information about our services, please contact us here.
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