Botox - The TMJ Treatment You Have Been Looking For

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, or TMJ refers to a type of condition involving jaw pain and tension. In recent years, physicians have begun using Botox injections to treat the condition, which in many cases has shown to cause patient relief. TMJ is generally caused by jaw clenching or teeth grinding, and can often result in lockjaw or headaches. Many people confuse the condition with earaches due to the joint location, with many reporting inhibited chewing, talking and swallowing. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you treat your TMJ with Botox.

Step 1 - Locate a physician with experience in treating TMJ in this way. Due to the fact that Botox is not typically used in this fashion, not all physicians offer this type of treatment. Dentists and cosmetic surgeons are generally the most common providers.

Step 2 - Make sure to take your time in selecting a physician to perform your treatment. It's reasonable to be picky. Inquire as to how many instances the physician has used Botox to address TMJ symptoms and the overall rate of success. Additionally, you'll want to make certain that the doctor is properly licensed and credentialed.

Step 3 - Your physician will ask you to submit a complete medical history and complete a physical exam to ensure that you are able to undergo the procedure. Because Botox can react negatively to certain drugs, it's vital that you are completely honest with your physician.

Step 4 - Your physician should inject you in the facial muscles of the jaw area. This will work to relax the muscles, preventing the types of movements that have been known to cause TMJ. The injections will loosen up your lockjaw and help alleviate the pain and headaches associated with the condition.

Step 5 - Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to repeat treatment every 3 or 4 months. Keep in mind that while effective, this procedure is only a semi-permanent fix, and will require additional appointments to maintain positive results. Though, over time, the more injections you have, the less frequent they will be required. A smaller amount of the substance may also begin to provide patients with the same results if used regularly.

Step 6 - In most cases, patients will be required to pay out of pocket for their treatments. Many insurance companies do not currently cover the expenses associated with this kind of TMJ treatment due to the fact that they are still considered experimental. If you are interested in trying this type of procedure out, you'll need to save your cash in advance.

Step 7 - Keep track of your progress and try to diminish the number of injections with each successive visit. Take notes and share your findings with your physician. In time, you may be able to alleviate your symptoms exponentially and start enjoying the happy, pain-free TMJ lifestyle you're after.