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TMJ and Facial Pain Management
All you ever wanted to know about jaw pain…but were too sore to ask!
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What is TMJ and Facial Pain?
The Temporomandibular Joint or commonly referred to as the ‘Jaw Joint’ or TMJ is where the lower jaw (Mandible) hinges with the Skull, just in front of and below the ear. TMJ pain is often called TMD, TMPD, TMJPD etc.
Myofascial Pain is a similar condition that can also causes pain around the TMJ, chewing and facial muscles and structures.
The TMJ is similar to a knee joint and its associated muscles help control the jaw during chewing, speaking and other jaw movements.
TMJ pain can be caused by problems or damage to the joint itself or the muscles and related structures around the joint…. tooth grinding, muscles stress, dislocating / clicking joints, arthritis and trauma can all cause TMJ Pain.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
- Tenderness around the jaw, temples, neck and shoulders
- Lock jaw or a ‘stuck’ jaw
- Jaws that click or ‘pop’ during opening or closing
- Limited mouth opening or jaw stiffness
- Pain during chewing and bite changes
- Migraine type pain in the temple regions
Treatments for Jaw Pain
- Occlusal splint therapy
- Muscle massage
- Stress management
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Anti-Wrinkle Medicine Muscle Injections
- Trigger point injections ‘Wet Needling’ (using local anaesthetics and/or Botox)
Anti-Wrinkle Injections for Jaw and Migraine-Type Pain
More and more medical and dental clinicians around the world are discovering the many uses of ‘Anti-Wrinkle Medications’ in muscle relaxation which has a wide variety of therapeutic uses. Common ‘Anti-Wrinkle Medicinals’ have been widely used for cosmetic and therapeutic treatments some of which are considered ‘On Label’ uses. Treatment of Jaw Pain, Bruxism and TMD are all considered to be ‘Off label’ yet acceptable uses of these drugs. There a very few risks associated with these special injections whose effects generally wear off over a period of 3-6 months. The injections are painless as a very small needle is used and only a small volume of diluted Anti-Wrinkle Medicine is required.
To see if your condition can be treated with Anti-Wrinkle Injections contact us immediately for a consultation appointment with Dr. Hillel New.
Dr. Hillel New received his Anti-Wrinkle Injection Training and Accreditation in the USA with the AAFE and is currently an associate member of that organisation.