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Understanding TMJ

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the hinges that connect your jawbone to your skull and allow you to talk, chew, and yawn. When these joints are not functioning properly, it can result in TMJ disorder, a condition marked by jaw pain, stiffness, and other uncomfortable TMJ symptoms. At Thrive Wellness and Aesthetics, we offer nonsurgical treatments to help relieve facial pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life.

Potential Causes

Chronic jaw movement can place strain on the chewing muscles, contributing to ongoing pain and discomfort. More specifically, TMJ disorders can arise from several underlying issues, including:

  • Overactive jaw muscles caused by grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Gum chewing or nail biting habits
  • Misaligned jaw joint or teeth
  • Injury or trauma to the jaw or face
  • Stress and poor relaxation techniques
  • Inflammatory medical conditions like arthritis

Who is Affected by TMJ?

TMJ disorders can affect people of all ages, although they are more common in women between the ages of 20 and 40. TMJ symptoms range from clicking or popping in the jaw joint, to headaches, earaches, and restricted jaw movement. Pediatric patients may also experience symptoms, though treatment approaches may differ. If left untreated, TMJ can lead to chronic pain and significant impairment in daily life.

Services for TMJ

Thrive Wellness and Aesthetics offers neuromodulator injections as part of our approach to TMJ relief:

Botox

Botulinum toxin injections—commonly known as Botox injections—are an FDA-approved and effective option to help manage TMJ disorder. When injected into the chewing muscles and facial muscles, Botox Cosmetic works by relaxing muscles and blocking nerve endings that signal contraction, offering targeted pain relief and reducing facial pain.

Injecting botulinum toxin type A has shown promise in clinical trials in reducing TMJ symptoms and improving jaw function. While not a cure, it can be a powerful tool in managing symptoms for patients who prefer to avoid more invasive options that involve surgery. Botulinum toxin products like Botox are also used to treat other conditions such as chronic migraine, cervical dystonia, lower limb spasticity, and even overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.

Where to Get Started

 At Thrive, our experienced providers will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if Botox treatment is right for you. We’ll assess your medical history, current symptoms, and any use of prescription medications, such as blood thinners, which may affect your eligibility. If you’re seeking relief from TMJ pain, our team of skilled healthcare professionals and TMJ specialists will develop a personalized care plan to support your healing and wellness journey; contact Thrive Wellness and Aesthetics today.

Does Botox for TMJ disorder really work?

While results vary, many patients feel significant relief within days of treatment. Its a great alternative to physical therapy or treatments that involve surgery.

Are there any side effects?

Mild muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, vision problems, trouble swallowing, or sensitivity at the injection site can occur; serious allergic reactions are rare.

What should I avoid after Botox treatment for TMJ?

Following botulinum toxin injections, avoid lying down for several hours and refrain from rubbing the injection site. Patients are also advised to eat soft foods for the first 24 hours and avoid intense exercise.

How does Botox help relieve TMJ pain?

Botox can help relieve TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain by relaxing the overactive muscles responsible for jaw tension and clenching. Its not a permanent fix, but it can significantly reduce symptoms for many people.

What are common symptoms of TMJ disorders?

Common symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, often on one side, clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully, locking of the jaw (open or closed), pain when chewing, yawning, or talking and a tired or sore feeling in the jaw muscles. Other symptoms include headaches, ear pain, neck or shoulder pain, and sometimes dizziness or lightheadedness.

What causes TMJ?

TMJ disorders (or TMD) can be caused by a combination of muscle tension, joint dysfunction, habits, or injury. Sometimes the cause is clear, but often it’s multifactorial—meaning several things contribute at once.

Can stress impact TMJ pain?

Absolutely — stress is one of the biggest contributors to TMJ pain. When youre stressed, your body tends to tense up unconsciously, especially in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. This can lead to a cycle of muscle overuse, inflammation, and joint strain that worsens TMJ symptoms.

What happens if TMJ disorder is left untreated?

If TMJ disorder is left untreated, the symptoms can gradually worsen and start to impact your quality of life, oral health, and overall well-being. While some mild cases can improve on their own, persistent or worsening TMJ issues usually require attention.

Is teeth grinding the same as TMJ?

Teeth grinding (Bruxism) is not the same as TMJ, but the two are closely related. Bruxism is a habit or behavior where you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth, often unconsciously during sleep or times of stress.TMJ disorder is a medical condition involving dysfunction or inflammation in the temporomandibular joint.

Where is the masseter muscle located?

The masseter muscle is located in your lower face, on each side of the jaw.

What are the main functions of the masseter muscle?

The masseter muscle plays a crucial role in jaw movement and chewing. It’s one of the strongest and most important muscles of mastication (chewing).

What activities can cause the masseter muscle to become overactive?

The masseter muscle becomes overactive when its repeatedly used beyond normal function, often due to stress, habits, or misalignment in the jaw. This overuse can lead to tightness, pain, and TMJ disorders.

How to relax the masseter muscle?

To relax the muscle, it can be treated with Botox. Other options are massage, warm compresses, jaw stretches, avoiding clenching, stress reduction, and a night guard.

CONTACT US

Our office is a hybrid medspa and wellness center. Whether you need a quick refresh or desire to make a long-lasting change in your health, our team can help. To schedule a treatment or consultation, or if you would like more information on pricing, please contact us below. A member of our staff will contact you straight away. Upon submission of the contact form, you will be redirected to our pricing page to view our price list.

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Founder, Nurse Practitioner at  |  + posts

Dana Protomastro, AGPCNP-BC, is a certified primary care nurse practitioner who is a proven leader in the medical community. She has over 25 years of experience delivering exceptional care with a holistic approach in perioperative care, plastic surgery, and aesthetic medicine.

Dana has introduced cutting-edge, non-invasive technologies into her practice as wellness-based alternatives to surgical procedures. She works closely with men and women of all ages to determine the best treatment method for their individual needs. Some of her specialties include laser treatments, micro needling, Botox, fillers and the integration of skincare products.