Botox for Headaches and TMD

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for headaches and TMD

We understand that if you suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD), associated jaw tension and pain, or headaches that it is important to find relief. But what options do you have? An alternative treatment option for TMD and headaches is Botulinum Toxin, which is commonly known as Botox.

When injected into your facial muscles that are sore or exhibiting discomfort, Botulinum Toxin can help to relieve that tension in your TMJ. The injections can also help to eliminate headaches that might result from teeth grinding (bruxism). And if you suffer from severe and extreme cases of stress, it can even minimize lockjaw. Botulinum Toxin injections can be very effective in minimizing and reducing pain associated with TMJ and headaches.

How does Botulinum Toxin treat TMD and headaches?

If your jaw joint, or TMJ, becomes displaced or is overworked because of teeth grinding or other conditions, you might also suffer from tension headaches. This can also lead to a sharp pain in the jaw, which is not something you should have to put up with. Use of Botulinum Toxin helps to relieve jaw tension by making your muscles unable to engage in those unconscious movements of the jaw that can lead to headaches and pain.

This treatment is quick, straightforward and effective for patients with TMD and headache pain. Botulinum Toxin injections are administered in our office by Dr. Mayoor Patel and requires no overnight stay in the hospital—it is a quick in and out procedure.

What areas can receive Botulinum Toxin injections?

There are several areas in which we can inject Botulinum Toxin to help relieve your pain and discomfort. Injections will be used in the:

  • Temporalis, which is in a broad, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head.
  • Frontalis muscle, which covers parts of the forehead of the skull.
  • Masseter, which is a powerful muscle in your mouth that helps to facilitate chewing.

Additional areas can be injected with Botulinum Toxins depending on the severity of your headaches. We will work with you to determine the best areas for injections and relief from your pain and discomfort.

After injections, most patients have experienced noticeable improvements within as little as a day or two. However, for some relief can take up to a 2-3 weeks. The Botulinum Toxin injections will cause a relaxation effect to only the affected areas and not other parts of your body.

DID YOU KNOW?

An intriguing fact about Botox (Botulinum toxin) is its versatile application beyond cosmetic procedures. While commonly known for its use in reducing facial wrinkles, Botox has found therapeutic applications in treating various medical conditions. It is utilized to alleviate muscle spasms, migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and even certain neurological disorders. The evolving understanding of Botox’s therapeutic potential highlights its diverse range of medical applications beyond its initial cosmetic use.

How long is the Botulinum Toxin treatment for TMD and headaches?

The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. It will also depend on how many injections you will need—this will be determined by Dr. Patel.

You can often expect to be in the office for between 10 and 30 minutes, typically. We will work with you to schedule the appropriate appointment for Botulinum Toxin treatment and soon you will be on your way to experiencing pain relief!

Will I experience pain with Botulinum Toxin injections?

This, too, will vary from person to person. When receiving Botulinum Toxin, the injections might cause minimal or brief pinches. However, the pain is not severe and the minimal discomfort lasts a few seconds. Some patients have even referred to the injections as a bug bite or a little prick to the skin.

If you do experience any pain from the injection, you can numb the site with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. And if you are scared or worried about the needle injections, Dr. Patel can work with you to find a solution to help reduce any anxiety associated with the Botulinum Toxin treatment.

What should I expect after Botulinum Toxin treatment?

After receiving Botulinum Toxin injections, there will be some muscle tenderness. But that will disappear almost immediately after your treatment. There may also be mild temporary bruising, numbness or redness around the injection sites.

Since Botulinum Toxin treatment is nonsurgical and noninvasive, you will be able to return to normal activities immediately. However, it is important that you do not rub or massage the area that has been injected with Botulinum Toxin. Avoiding this will help to prevent the spreading of the toxin to other muscle groups. You should also remain upright for several hours after the procedure, while also limiting physical activities immediately following.

If you suffer from TMD or headaches, now is the time to stand up as seek further treatment for relief. Contact Dr. Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections for TMD and headache treatment.

Call us today at 678-899-6076

To schedule an evaluation and find a treatment option to help relieve your pain