Botox treatment for TMJ sufferers

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is an incredibly painful problem that makes simple things like eating, talking and swallowing a challenge for the sufferer. Traditional treatments involve orthodontic work, tooth reshaping, bite-correcting appliances and, in severe cases, surgery. However, an alternative treatment is fast gaining popularity and that treatment is Botox – the very same facial filler you associate with the rich, famous and beautiful and most often hear about in glossy magazines.

The temporomandibular joint is the point on either side of your face at which your lower jaw is connected to your skull. TMJ occurs as a result of excessive grinding or jaw clenching that strains or displaces the joint and causes severe tension headaches, toothache, neck pain and sometimes even lockjaw. It can be extremely painful and frustrating for the sufferer who may find everyday activities such as eating simply too painful and so treatment is a must.

Botox to the rescue?

Botox is the latest treatment method being offered to TMJ sufferers and whilst the method is still very much in the experimental phase the results are speaking for themselves. Patients have claimed that they can feel the effects of the treatment within a few short days of the first treatment and within a week the improvement is remarkable.

Just as Botox freezes the faces of beauty-obsessed celebrities giving them the forever surprised look; it relieves the symptoms by freezing the muscles around the joint and in doing so disabling the ability of the jaw to engage in the grinding action that causes TMJ as well as relieving the tension that is causing the headaches and other associated aches and pains. Even better, whilst it stops the jaw from doing the clenching or grinding movement causing the problem, it does not affect the way the jaw moves for other activities such as talking and eating.

Even though Botox is new, it is proven to be a safe and effective alternative treatment option for TMJ. It is a straightforward procedure and with just a simple injection into the affected muscle the tension will quickly start to feel relieved. Prior to the treatment you will have to undergo a consultation just to make sure you are eligible for Botox – there is a risk of Botox negatively interacting with certain drugs and medications and any allergies you may have could make you ineligible for the treatment.

However, if you are eligible to undergo Botox treatment for TMJ – and the majority of patients are – then the procedure is quick, straightforward and effective and so it may be the perfect answer to relieving your pain and discomfort caused by TMJ.

Posted in: TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
Tags: Botox, Pain relief, TMJ Pain, TMJ symptoms, TMJ Treatment
| April 5, 2011 at 11:04 am | No comment

---

Comments are closed.

Call us on 020 7636 5981 11 Harley Street