Relieving TMJ Pain – Part 2

This post is part of a two-part series on treatments for TMJ pain. If you haven’t already read part 1, I recommend you do so before continuing.

Clinical options for TMJ pain relief (continued)

Botox is an option for treating TMD. This is known as trigger point injection therapy. When botox is injected into specific sites, it helps relieve tension and relax the muscles of the jaw, neck, and face.

There are also clinical treatments that use electricity, ultrasound, or radio waves to penetrate the TMJ and relax the surrounding muscles. Some of these treatments are unproven, and they’re all fairly new. As our understanding of TMD improves, it is likely we will see more types of treatment become available, as well as improvements in our existing therapies. Learn more about clinical treatments for TMJ pain on our TMJ Treatment page.

If no other treatments help your TMD, there are surgical options. However, the vast majority of TMD sufferers can manage their TMJ pain without surgery.

At-home options for TMJ pain relief

Obviously, you can use NSAIDs like ibuprofen to relieve TMD. This does provide temporary relief but isn’t a great option for treating a chronic condition. You can also use a moist cold pack to reduce pain and inflammation or a moist warm pack to help relax the muscles surrounding the TMJ.

There are a few habits you should consider if you suffer from TMJ pain:

• Avoid hard-to-chew foods as much as possible
• Avoid the extremes of your jaw’s range of motion
• Avoid applying unnecessary forces to your jaw, like resting your chin on your hand or holding the phone between your jaw and shoulder.
• Try some exercises designed to relieve TMJ pain, if your doctor, dentist, or physical therapist says they’re safe for you.

Get help for your TMJ pain

Dr. Abeyta uses a Digital Occlusal Analysis called Tscan to analyze your jaw and bite. With this information, she will recommend a personalized course of treatment. Don’t suffer pain you don’t have to. Make an appointment today.