Having been around for a few decades now, Botox has gained an immense amount of popularity over the years – becoming the single most popular aesthetic enhancement procedure available to patients. Being a non-invasive procedure, that has shown to drastically improve wrinkles and other aesthetic issues, Botox offers patients results similar to far more invasive procedures, with far fewer risks and side effects – when used correctly. In fact, Botox now accounts for more than 50% of all aesthetic procedures performed today, taking into account both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
While the majority of its popularity has come as a result of its cosmetic benefits and its ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, over the years researchers have found a number of amazing uses for Botox. From things like hyperhidrosis or overactive sweating, to migraine headaches, and even TMJ disorders – the focus of what we will be discussing today.
What is TMJ Disorder?
The TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint, is the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull. The joint can be found on both sides of your head in front of your ears. It allows your jaw to open and close, enabling you to speak and eat. Sometimes referred to as TMD or TMJD, these issues can cause tenderness at the joint, facial pain, and difficulty moving the joint. According to studies, as many as 10 million Americans suffer from TMJD. TMJD is more common among women than men. These disorders are treatable, but there are many different possible causes. This can make diagnosis difficult.
Causes & Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
The fact is that it can be difficult to truly identify the source of TMJ pain or disorders, however, many believe that trauma to the jaw or joint may play a role. There are also other health conditions that may contribute to the development of TMJD. These include things like arthritis, erosion of the joint, constant grinding of the teeth, and being born with structural issues in the jaw and the joint itself. Some other factors that have been known to cause TMJD include:
- the use of orthodontic braces
- poor posture that strains the muscles of the neck and face
- prolonged stress
- poor diet
- lack of sleep
Symptoms of TMJD are highly dependent upon the severity of the condition, and how it might have come about in the first place. The most common symptom of all is generally pain in the jaw area, while some other symptoms include:
- pain that can be felt in the face or neck
- stiffness in the muscles of the jaw
- limited movement of the jaw
- locking of the jaw
- clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site
Botox for TMJ Treatment
While it is technically still considered experimental, according to a number od studies over the years, Botox has been proven to be a fairly effective method for the treatment of TMJD. Botox, a neurotoxin protein, may help treat symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. You may benefit most from this treatment if other methods haven’t worked. Botox may help treat the following TMJ disorder symptoms:
- jaw tension
- headaches due to teeth grinding
- lockjaw in cases of severe stress
Botox TMJ Procedure
One of the main reasons Botox is so popular is that it is a fairly quick and easy injectable procedure, that can be done in less than 30 minutes – and the same goes for the treatment of TMJD with Botox. Botox treatment for TMJ disorder is a nonsurgical, outpatient procedure. Your healthcare provider can perform it right in their office. Each treatment session typically takes 10-30 minutes. You could expect to have at least three injection sessions over the course of several months. We will inject Botox into your forehead, temple, and jaw muscles. They may also inject other areas depending on your symptoms. Your doctor will decide the number of Botox injections you need. The injection may cause you to feel pain, similar to a bug bite or prick. Doctors recommend easing the pain with a cold pack or numbing cream. Although some improvement can be felt within a day or two of treatment, it usually takes several days to feel relief. People who’ve had Botox treatment for TMJ can expect to return to their regular activities as soon as they leave their doctor’s office.
Botox treatment may have to be repeated in order to maintain results; however, many patients are able to feel the relief they so badly need from their TMJ pain issues, within only a few days following their injection. And while Botox is the most well known of the neuromodulator class, others, such as Dysport and Xeomin, have also been proven effective in the treatment of TMJ issues as well. For more information on TMJD treatment with Botox, be sure to contact LG Aesthetica today.